Small businesses would get an unexpected six-month grace period before being punished for failing to provide paid sick days to employees, according to legislation being introduced in the City Council next week.
The regulations, which are backed by Mayor de Blasio, are set to expand the paid-sick-leave requirement to include businesses with as few as five workers, starting April 1.
But after small-business owners complained about the pace at which the city was introducing the changes, officials are now saying shops with five to 19 employees won’t be fined for any unintentional violations before Oct. 1.
“This makes good business sense, as this ‘cure period’ will allow for smaller businesses to comply with the new mandate, and ensures businesses will have ample time to learn about compliance,” said Carlo A. Scissura, CEO of the Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce.