How This Law Can Help Illinoisans Predict Layoffs

Amid layoffs hitting industries from tech to media to retail, local workers might be able to see when layoffs are coming thanks to state law.

What’s the WARN Act?

Known as the Illinois Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act, it requires employers with 75 or more full-time workers to provide a 60-day notice of a plant closure or mass layoff.

How Does the State Define a Mass Layoff?

It depends.

• When a company has more than 75 employees, and at least a third will be laid off
• OR when 250 or more full-time employees are let go at a site

Where Can You Check WARN Notices?

View monthly reports dating back to 1999.

Why Was the WARN Act Put in Place?

To help workers have time to look for new jobs, NBC Chicago reported. Chicagoans can search for jobs on typical avenues like LinkedIn and Indeed, or use tools like Built In Chicago’s database and Illinois Job Link.

What About Friends and Family in Other States?

There’s a federal law in place with different requirements than Illinois.