Mar 07, 2023

Allen: If you've been laid off, Kansas WorkforceONE can help

Posted Mar 07, 2023 2:46 PM

NICK GOSNELL
Hutch Post

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Tucky Allen with Kansas WorkforceONE said that businesses letting people go without notice without letting his office know is not really the way that his agency would like to work, because they have resources people can use even before their employment ends.

"The procedure we would like to see, because it is most beneficial to those employees being affected is to know ahead of time," Allen said. "The 60-day WARN notice is a great tool if used correctly. It does give those employees 60 days to absorb the news and begin to think, what's their next move? Things like that. Also, it allows us to get in there and conduct rapid response meetings."

Unfortunately, the last couple of layoffs in Hutchinson haven't given that advance notice.

"The hospital, they refused our service, basically," Allen said. "I haven't heard back from them. They haven't provided any information regarding the job seekers that are being laid off. What I get is from the media, as well. Then, I was able to get information with the Department of Labor on some of those that will file unemployment. Then, we can reach out one on one, but Sonoco, yes, they did lay off without notice. However, from what I'm being told, they are getting the 60 days of WARN pay. They're not going to be working, but they still have that 60 days of pay to plan accordingly what their next move is."

Here is a link to the rapid resource packet generally given to those laid off.  Allen said, if a business is small enough not to be required to give a WARN notice, he may not know about a layoff.

"Some small ones that shut down, restaurant type, retail, things that we never even hear about, they would qualify too," Allen said. "We need them to come to the workforce center or give us a call if they are outside the area and we'll work with them virtually, or whatever is best for them."

The KANSASWORKS office in Hutchinson is at 609 E. 14th Avenue. You can call them at (620) 665-3559.

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