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State program helps businesses avoid layoffs, workers from losing hours and pay

These states have the lowest unemployment rate
Posted at 12:41 PM, Jul 28, 2020
and last updated 2020-07-28 13:46:40-04

ANNAPOLIS, Md. — The Hogan administration on Tuesday said 223 Maryland businesses have been approved to take part in the state's Work Sharing Unemployment Program.

It's designed to help struggling businesses and workers adapt to the hardships of COVID-19.

The Work Sharing Unemployment Program allows businesses who can't afford to keep employees on a full-time schedule, to reduce their hours instead of laying them off. The employees in turn can apply for partial unemployment benefits to help make up for lost wages resulting from a cut in hours.

It also saves businesses the time and money it would take to recruit, hire, and train new workers, which could potentially impact the level of quality and production standards a business is used to.

“Maryland has regained over 97,000 jobs since we began the safe, gradual, and effective reopening of our economy, and we continue making incredible progress on the road to economic recovery,” said Governor Hogan. “The Work Sharing program is truly a game-changer for businesses that are beginning to reopen their doors, and we continue to encourage employers to take advantage of this unique opportunity.”

To apply for the Work Sharing program, click here.