Are employers allowed to require employees to take unpaid leave?

In Virginia, employers are generally allowed to require employees to take unpaid leave in certain circumstances. This is because Virginia state law does not provide for specific protections against unpaid leave. However, it is important to note that employers are not allowed to discriminate against employees who take unpaid leave due to disability, race, sex, national origin, or religion. Furthermore, it is important to note that the federal Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) does provide certain protections for employees who need to take unpaid leave. The FMLA requires employers to provide up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave to employees for certain family and medical reasons. These reasons include taking time off for serious health conditions, care for a newborn, or to look after a family member with a serious health condition. Therefore, while employers in Virginia are generally allowed to require employees to take unpaid leave, they must still abide by the provisions of the FMLA and cannot discriminate against employees. Additionally, employers in Virginia should be aware of certain state and local laws that provide protections for employees taking unpaid leave. It is always important for employers to understand the laws and regulations in their area when considering requiring employees to take unpaid leave.

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