WORK SHARING:

Provides an alternative to layoffs for employers faced with a temporary, non-cyclical decline in business due to lower economic activity. Preserves jobs for current employees and assists businesses that have already undertaken layoffs to reopen and resume operations gradually. Employers who participate in Work Sharing can retain employees by temporarily reducing the hours of work, within a range of 10% to 60%, among employees within the affected unit(s). The employees with reduced work hours receive partial unemployment insurance benefits to supplement lost wages.

Employers can apply for the Work Sharing program at http://www.labor.maryland.gov/employment/worksharing/

REQUIREMENTS

• Employers must have a minimum of two employees of an affected unit in the Work Sharing plan*
• Employers must reduce a Work Sharing employee’s hours by 10%-60%
• Employers must reduce the percentage of hours of work equally among a unit of employees; however, the percentage of reduction may vary from unit to unit*
• Employers can use Work Sharing for no more than 26 weeks in a year per unit
• Work Sharing is not for employers to use for seasonal or cyclical shutdowns
• Employers must be current with their unemployment insurance tax contributions
• Employees must have been working for the employer for at least three months
• Employees who are full-time, part-time, exempt/salaried, or hourly are all eligible as long as they normally work 20 to 40 hours in a week. Seasonal and temporary workers are not eligible.

* Requirement can be waived with good cause.

Decisions are issued by email within 15 days of submission. If approved, an unemployment insurance representative will contact the business to explain next steps.