NEW YORK STATE DEPARTMENT OF LABOR’S RAPID RESPONSE TEAM TO ASSIST WORKERS IMPACTED BY RECENTLY ANNOUNCED

 

Impacted Workers Can Visit NYSDOL’s Jobs and Careers Page for Help with Career Development, Job Searches, and More

Businesses Encouraged to Use the Shared Work Program to Avert Layoffs

The New York State Department of Labor (NYSDOL) is continuing to deploy resources to assist any workers who will be impacted by announced layoffs following notices received through the Department’s Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification (WARN) system. Notably, NYSDOL’s Rapid Response Team is offering resources to impacted employees at Tesla, which recently announced layoffs that include cutting 285 positions in Buffalo. Specialized regional Rapid Response teams with an in-depth understanding of the local economy prepare the impacted employees for employment transition. Employees are guided to the appropriate resources for their unique needs. 

“The sooner we know about layoffs, the sooner we can spring into action to help impacted workers," said New York State Department of Labor Commissioner Roberta Reardon. "In addition to providing benefits to enable New Yorkers to support themselves and their families, the New York State Department of Labor has a trove of no-cost career resources to help workers make their career dreams come true.”

The New York State WARN Act requires businesses to give early warning of closing and layoffs, which allows NYSDOL to immediately collaborate with businesses and provide affected employees with vital information on Unemployment Insurance (UI) and workforce programs aimed at facilitating swift reemployment. Early notification also benefits businesses by potentially reducing UI charges associated with layoffs or closures.

NYSDOL provides a comprehensive array of no-cost resources for all New Yorkers, including those impacted by a recent layoff.

Services Include:

• Job search and networking tips
• Career resources through the Virtual Career Center
• Virtual and in-person Career Centers
• Access virtual and in-person Career Fairs
• Coursera
• Resume assistance
• Interview tips

New Yorkers can visit NYSDOL’s UI Webpage to apply for benefits the first week they become unemployed. By law, the UI program provides benefits to people who:

• Have enough employment to establish a claim
• Have lost employment through no fault of their own
• Are ready, willing, and able to work and
• Are actively seeking work

If you are deemed eligible for benefits, you will need to certify online or over the phone weekly to continue receiving payments.

Businesses are encouraged to explore alternatives to layoffs, such as the Shared Work Program, which enables employees to receive partial unemployment benefits while working reduced hours. This initiative aims to retain skilled employees during temporary downturns, facilitating a quicker recovery for businesses when conditions improve and maintaining job security for workers. Full-time, part-time and seasonal employees are eligible.

For more information on available resources and support, visit: https://dol.ny.gov/rapid-response-services-jobseekers.