Layoff Aversion & Business Closure Services

Rapid Response

The decision to lay off employees is one no business wants to make. Whether you’re downsizing due to economic hardship or other reason, the workforce system is here to help.

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Layoff Aversion

The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL), Washington state and Local Workforce Development Boards (LWDBs) offer no-cost layoff aversion programs like Shared Work. SharedWork helps stabilize businesses during temporary economic setbacks. Employers keep their workforce by temporarily reducing hours to save on payroll. In turn, affected workers collect a prorated percentage of unemployment insurance benefits. Better still, eligibility is open to most businesses.

Facing a Layoff or Business Closure?

Through the U.S. Department of Labor, Local Workforce Development Boards (LWDBs) offer services to help during a layoff, sale, natural disaster, or even a business closure. Referred to as Rapid Response, this no-cost program provides immediate aid to companies and affected workers.

Local Rapid Response teams come together quickly to deliver customized, confidential services at the business location. The team introduces workers to the state workforce system including unemployment insurance benefits. This helps soon-to-be displaced workers connect with available resources early on so they can get re-employed as quickly as possible. Services can also be provided virtually and in languages other than English. The Rapid Response team coordinates all the details. An employer just has to provide space to present and advise workers of the meeting(s).

Find Support in Your Area

Locate a local workforce development board and contact information in your region by clicking the button below. Business Services coordinators will support your transition, provide additional resources and more.