Support for Businesses & Workers Facing Layoffs

West Central Works has a Rapid Response Program to help businesses and workers face impending layoffs. Our goal is to help reduce the number of layoffs, when possible, and make the transition easier for workers who need to find a new position. We can come to your location, present to your workforce, and help them connect with resources, services, and other jobs available within our community.

Quote treatment: Call us early to save your company money on unemployment benefits.

West Central Works offers layoff transition services in conjunction with Job Service, Workforce Resource, Inc., and One-One-Stop Partners. Together, we help companies and workers deal with the effects of layoffs and plant closures. As part of the program design, the Rapid Response team provides information about available resources and services to affected workers to help with the layoff transition.

Rapid Response

Rapid Response Program

Rapid Response, a federal program available to qualifying organizations, can help you manage the process effectively if you face a layoff. Rapid Response has two key functions:

  • Provide employers with access to a skilled labor pool in their area
  • Provide immediate assistance to companies facing layoffs

Resources through Rapid Response

Your Rapid Response transition team will meet with you; work one-on-one with displaced workers to discuss unemployment insurance benefits, job placement services, and training options; and help you coordinate with other services in your area. While many resources are available online, resources are also available at your local Job Center. We can also provide information and resources on-site via Rapid Response presentations upon request. Topics may include:

  • Unemployment Insurance (UI)
  • Dislocated worker programs offering employment and training services
  • Job Center resources
  • Healthcare resources available during employment transition
  • Retirement options
  • Topic-specific workshops (resume writing, interviewing, online job search, household budgeting, career planning, coping with job loss, etc.)
  • Labor market information. To learn more, visit WisConomy.
  • On-site WIOA Dislocated Worker Program registration sessions
  • One-on-one assistance and scheduled visits to the affected worksites
  • Targeted job fairs for affected workers
  • Transition centers and on-site assistance for affected workers

* Services can be tailored to meet the business’s and its workers’ needs. The services are available at no cost to the company because of funding provided by the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act.

Benefits for Employers

Providing Rapid Response services to your workers during layoffs or plant closings results in multiple benefits to you as an employer. Benefits may include:

  • Higher productivity and worker morale and lower absenteeism during the layoff process
  • Lower unemployment insurance costs as workers may become re-employed more quickly when services are provided before the layoffs
  • Decreased likelihood of work disruptions during the layoff process
  • Better public and community relations are likely when a company highlights the services it’s providing to help affected workers during a layoff event

Notice Requirements for Layoffs

In some cases, under the Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification (WARN) Act, federal/state law may require written notice to be provided 60 days in advance of a business closing or workforce reduction. Employers must comply with both laws if they both apply. Once notice is provided, the Rapid Response team will work with a company to present information to laid-off (dislocated) workers affected by the layoff.

Rapid Response Team

In West Central Wisconsin, the Rapid Response Team includes representatives from:

  • West Central Wisconsin Workforce Development Board (WCWWDB)
  • Workforce Resource, Inc.
  • State of Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development -Job Service
  • One-Stop Partners
  • Local and State workforce and economic development partners