Work Sharing Program

As a potential alternative to layoffs, employers should consider the EDD's Unemployment Work Sharing Program.

The work sharing program allows employers to reduce employee work schedules rather than laying off workers, while allowing these employees to simultaneously collect partial unemployment benefits for the time reduced.

For example, instead of laying off 20 percent of employees, an employer could reduce employees' hours by 20 percent and unemployment insurance (UI) would pay part of the difference in wages to employees. The program helps employers keep their workforce intact during a