The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) and our state and local workforce investment system partners offer many services to help businesses and workers deal with the effects of layoffs and plant closures, including those that result from increased competition from imports, natural disasters, and other events.

One such service is Rapid Response. Rapid Response is a pro-active, business-focused, and flexible strategy designed to respond to layoffs and plant closings by quickly coordinating services and providing immediate aid to companies and their affected workers. Rapid Response teams will work with employers and any employee representative(s) to quickly maximize public and private resources to minimize disruptions associated with job loss. Rapid Response can provide customized services on-site at an affected company, accommodate any work schedules, and assist companies and workers through the painful transitions associated with job loss.

Rapid Response is carried out by states and local workforce development agencies in partnership with local American Job Center. Many services, from are available through American Job Centers, from resume and interview workshops, career counseling, and job search to re-skilling, skills upgrading, and job training.

Rapid Response Serves:

  • Rapid Response for Laid-Off Workers who have been displaced. Access a comprehensive range of direct services, benefits, training opportunities, and income support.
  • Rapid Response Services to Employers. Avoid future layoffs, access incumbent worker training programs and skilled job seekers, and become familiar with employment rights and regulations such as the WARN Act, administered by the DOL.

Contact

Contact your state Dislocated Worker Unit for more information.

Trade Impacted Layoffs

Additional services through the Trade Adjustment Assistance program are available for layoffs and plant closures resulting from increased imports or shifts in production out of the United States. Certified individuals may be eligible to receive one or more program benefits and services depending on what is needed to return them to employment, including tax credits to help cover the costs of health coverage.