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Is an interior design and remodeling company considered essential in the state of TN?

TennesseeCoronavirusStimulus

My husband is a drywall installer in the state of TN, and has a cardiovascular diagnosis which increases his risk of death if he contracts Covid 19. He works for an interior design and remodeling company and is currently on a subcontracted job that is renovating some empty apartment buildings. The guidelines are very vague as to whether or not his job is considered " essential". I need to know if his particular job is non essential or essential, and if he is considered essential, if he chooses not to continue to expose himself to the virus and takes a leave, will he be eligible for unemployment benefits until it is safe for him to return to work

1 reply

Apr 1, 2020
Two days ago, Governor Lee issued Tennessee's safer at home order restricting business operations in the state. However, essential businesses are allowed to carry on. In that order, construction is very broadly considered essential business. "Construction-related services" are deemed essential, which is very broad. And, the governor went on to provide some specific examples, including "housing construction." So, presumably, work being done in an apartment building would qualify as "essential." Before opting to file for unemployment benefits, it may be worth discussing the matter with the employer. Informing them of the situation and that your husband has an increased risk could be helpful - and they may be willing to work something out considering the current climate. But, if an employer can't or won't work something out, then unemployment benefits should still be available. If he's laid off, then obviously unemployment will be available. But, even if he isn't laid off, it looks like it will still be possible to reap some benefits. For insight into how that works, this article from Business Insider should be really helpful: How you can get unemployment benefits even if you're not officially laid off.

Additional coronavirus and stimulus resources

I hope this information has been helpful! In addition to the above, I think these articles should be really useful. - Can I do Construction Work In my State? | Live tracker from Levelset - What’s in the $2 Trillion Coronavirus Stimulus Bill For Construction Businesses & Their Workers?
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