US Labor Department provides grant increment to continue assistance for workers affected by layoffs and closings in Massachusetts and Connecticut

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Labor has awarded a $203,555 National Emergency Grant increment to continue employment-related services for about 600 workers affected by layoffs and closings at 11 companies in Massachusetts and one in Connecticut across a variety of industries.

"These additional funds will allow these workers, many of whom have significant language and literacy barriers, to continue receiving services that equip them with the necessary skills to re-enter the workforce," said Assistant Secretary of Labor for Employment and Training Jane Oates.

Awarded to the Massachusetts Department of Workforce Development, the grant is being used for training and support services to be offered in conjunction with other services some of the workers are receiving under the Trade Adjustment Assistance to prepare them for new employment. A broader array of employment-related services is available under this grant to the workers not eligible for TAA.

An initial grant award of up to $2,073,235, with $1,012,455 released initially, was approved by the Labor Department on Nov. 23, 2010. A subsequent increment of $857,225 was approved on Nov. 18, 2011. The increment announced today is the final amount available under the grant.

National Emergency Grants are part of the secretary of labor's discretionary fund and are awarded based on a state's ability to meet specific guidelines. For more information, visit http://www.doleta.gov/NEG/.