Layoff Aversion and downsizing support
 

Rapid Response is a series of customized, confidential, and convenient services for businesses during downsizing, restructuring or closures. It is a cooperative effort between the Workforce Investment Board of Tulare County (WIB), the Employment Connection of Tulare County, the Employment Development Department (EDD), and other community agencies to enable affected workers to return to work as quickly as possible by connecting them to training and re-employment opportunities. ​

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Why are Rapid Response Orientations Beneficial?

Orientation sessions can be provided to any affected employees. The sessions can be provided in both English and Spanish and can be held at the worksite or at an offsite location.

Participation in orientation sessions lead to:

• Higher productivity and worker morale, and lower absenteeism during layoffs due to reduced stress.

• Lower unemployment costs for employers because employees are re-employed more quickly when attend an orientation prior to the final layoff date.

• Decreased likelihood of work disruptions.

• Better public relations for employers. The Rapid Response team can work with the media to highlight services being offered to affected employees by the business during the layoff period, evoking increased goodwill from the community.​​​​

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What information is provided during a Rapid Response Orientation?                                                                            

During an orientation the Rapid Response team presents information about resources available to help affected workers. ​​​​

• ​Unemployment insurance

• Training and employment opportunities 

• Healthcare insurance

• Many more local resources

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Filing a WARN Notice

The California Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification (WARN) is a layoff notice from an employer. A Warn provides protection to employees, their families and communities by requiring an employer to give affected employees and other state and local representative 60 days advance notice of a facility closure or mass layoff. 

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In California, employers must file a WARN if they are a "covered establishment" that employs 75 or more employees (part-time or full-time) during any 30 day period. Any facility closure or layoff that affects 50 or more workers within a 30-day period must be reported, regardless of the size of the company as a whole. Notification of layoffs and plant closures must occur at least 60 in advance. 

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