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Washington rapid response: layoff support for employers

What an employer planning a layoff in Washington needs: the federal notice rules, the local workforce boards and American Job Centers that serve affected workers, and support for the people leaving.

Federal WARN Act notice

  • The Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act generally covers employers with 100 or more employees, not counting part-time workers.
  • A covered employer gives 60 calendar days’ written notice before a plant closing or mass layoff.
  • Notice goes to affected employees (or their union), the state dislocated worker unit, and the chief elected official of the local government.
  • Some states have their own, broader notice laws. Check Washington’s with the state labor department or counsel.

Check whether WARN notice applies to your layoff. General information, not legal advice.

Workforce boards in Washington

State and local rapid response teams work with employers before and after a layoff to connect workers to services. Start with the board for the county where the workers are.

All Washington boards and 39 job centers

141 WARN notices were filed in Washington in the last 12 months. See them.

Support for the people leaving

NextChapter provides outplacement for employers: coaching, a job search plan and reporting on outcomes.

See outplacement for employers