To drum up more interest in its Shared Work program, the Connecticut Department of Labor has launched a new website for the program designed to help businesses weather economic downturns.
The Shared Work program prevents layoffs by allowing employers to reduce employee hours from 10 to 60 percent. The state then pays those employees partial unemployment compensation to offset the difference.
Labor Commissioner Scott D. Jackson said the program allows employers to return to full production more quickly when their economic situation improves because the workers are still employed by the company.
A labor department official said the program is funded as part of the state’s unemployment compensation program that draws its revenue through a tax on employers. Since Jan. 1, 2016, the Shared Work program has paid its participating claimants (employees) $2.3 million.
More than 200 employers currently use the Shared Work unemployment program to keep their companies running and their employees working until business picks up. A video overview in English and Spanish, a brochure, employer application, testimonials, and contact information can all be found at the program’s website: www.SharedWorkCT.com.
As part of the application process, employers interested in the program submit a plan to the Labor Department that includes the number of employees taking part, planned reduction of hours, and estimated duration of the slowdown. Employers typically hear back from the department in 7 to 10 days, said Shared Work Program Coordinator Devon O’Nalty.
When participating in Shared Work, employees can be permanent full- or part-time staff, and benefits such as health care must be maintained.
