As we face the global pandemic of COVID-19, WorkSafeNB has taken essential steps to address the health and safety of our staff, our clients and New Brunswick’s workforce.
We acknowledge and applaud the decisive action taken by the Government of New Brunswick to limit the spread of COVID-19 such as declaring a state of emergency and offering leadership related to essential services, self-isolation, travel, and avoiding workplaces if symptomatic. Together, we can flatten the curve.
We also support the processes they’ve implemented to help ease the financial hardships of individuals and employers as a result of the reduction in operations of many services and businesses. Today, Premier Blaine Higgs announced WorkSafeNB’s commitment to easing the current financial burden of the business community.
To do our part to help New Brunswick businesses, assessment premiums related to employer payrolls for February, March and April will be deferred for three months without interest charges. This affects employers who pay their premiums on a monthly basis. It is not a permanent reduction in assessments payable, but a temporary postponement of payment.
“Small and medium-sized businesses are the backbone of our provincial economy,” said Douglas Jones, WorkSafeNB’s President and CEO. “We hope this deferment provides some improved cash flow for our business community and some relief for their families during this extraordinary time.”
Details on the deferral continue to be worked out and we will continue to keep you informed when processes are confirmed. We appreciate your patience and understanding as we work though this incredible challenge together, in the best interest of all New Brunswickers.
To do our part to help New Brunswick businesses, assessment premiums collected in March, April and May will be deferred without interest charges. No premium payments are due to WorkSafeNB until June.
Yes, the premiums will continue to accrue without interest. The deferral is not a permanent reduction in assessments payable, but a temporary postponement of payment to help ease the current financial burden of the business community.
In June, when premium payments resume, WorkSafeNB is committed to working with you, our employers, to establish a payment plan for the deferred months that best meets your needs.
Yes, you still need to report your payroll even if it is $0. That will ensure that you are billed correctly when premiums are collected again in June.
Annually assessed employers provide an estimate of their yearly payroll to WorkSafeNB. From this estimate, WorkSafeNB calculates the amount of assessment the employer must pay.
If unexpected changes in activity occur, you may submit a revised payroll estimate (representing an increase or decrease) during the year and WorkSafeNB can adjust your account. To learn more, please contact Assessment Services at 1-800 999-9775 (option 4).