What Is the WARN Act in Illinois? What to Know About the Layoff Notice Requirement in the State – NBC Chicago

The Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification (WARN) Act in Illinois mandates that employers provide notice to employees in the event of a layoff. The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) administers the law, which is designed to promote job retention and minimize the impact of layoffs on workers and their families.

In Illinois, the WARN Act applies to businesses with 75 or more employees who are laid off or furloughed. The Act requires employers to provide notice of planned layoffs at least 60 days in advance. This notice must include the date of the layoff, the number of employees affected, the positions to be affected, the expected duration of the layoff, and any services available to affected employees, such as job retraining programs.

Additionally, the WARN Act requires employers to provide severance pay for employees who are laid off or furloughed for more than six months. This severance pay must be equal to at least one week of wages for every year of service, up to a maximum of 26 weeks.

Employers who fail to comply with the WARN Act are subject to civil penalties. The DCEO can order employers to pay fines of up to $500 for each day the employer is in violation of the Act and may also require employers to provide back pay to affected employees.

In Illinois, the Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act obligates employers with 75 or more laid-off or furloughed employees to give at least 60 days’ notice before initiating job termination. The notification must include the specifics of the layoff, such as the date, affected positions, duration, and any services available to affected personnel, such as job retraining programs. Furthermore, employers must provide severance pay of one week’s wages for each year of service, up to 26 weeks, for workers laid off or furloughed for more than six months. Any employer who fails to meet the requirements of the Act is liable to civil penalties, including fines of up to $500 per day and back pay to affected personnel, as mandated by the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity.