Shared work

Shared work is a voluntary program providing an alternative to layoffs for employers who have two or more employees and who are faced with a temporary decline in business. Rather than laying off a percentage of the work force to cut costs, an employer can reduce the hours and wages of all, or a particular group, of employees. The employees whose hours and wages are reduced can receive partial UI benefits to supplement their lost wages. The Shared Work Program helps employers avoid some of the burdens that accompany a layoff situation. If employees are retained during a temporary slowdown, employers can quickly gear up when business conditions improve. Employers are then spared the expense of recruiting, hiring, and training new employees; and employees are spared the hardships of full unemployment. A Shared Work Program application may be completed and submitted online by accessing your Employer Home Page at dol.ny.gov under Employer Information ; log on to Labor Online Services and select the link for the SW Program . Applications should be submitted two weeks before the start of the plan. Questions regarding the Shared Work Program may be directed to the Department of Labor, Liability and Determination Section (see Unemployment insurance issues – Where can I find the answers? ).