From the Technical College System of Georgia (TCSG):
As of January 1, 2023, the Georgia WARN Portal and Georgia’s Rapid Response Program began being administered by the Technical College System of Georgia’s Office of Workforce Development. Moving forward, information related to company closings and layoffs (including WARN filings) can be found at www.WorkSourceGeorgia.com/RapidResponse.
What is Rapid Response?
Rapid Response is a proactive and customized statewide service that helps Georgia employers:
- Avert layoffs, downsizing, and permanent closures;
- Receive immediate aid to affected companies and their affected workers.
- Access public and private resources to minimize disruptions associated with job loss; and
- Assist workers through the painful transitions associated with job loss.
What is a WARN?
A Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification (WARN) is an official filing made by employers with the State of Georgia primarily to:
- Provide advanced notice of a mass layoff or plant closure; and
- Ensure affected employees have access to reemployment and other assistance services.
A WARN filing must be made at least 60 calendar days in advance of employment loss. However, exceptions may be granted if the layoffs or worksite closings occur due to faltering companies, unforeseen business circumstances, or natural disasters. For specific requirements and obligations, please refer to the federal WARN Act.
Which Employers are required to file a WARN?
As required under federal law, employers with 100 employees or more that are reducing their workforce, conducting layoffs, or closing their businesses must submit a WARN filing with the State of Georgia.
An employer must file a WARN if the lay-off (temporary or permanent) affects:
- 50 workers at a single site of employment; or
- 100 or more workers who work at least a combined 4,000 hours/week; or
- 500 or more workers during a 30-day period; or
- Any number of workers that constitutes 1/3 of the total active workforce (for companies >100 employees)
The Technical College System of Georgia, on behalf of the State of Georgia, accepts and responds to WARN filings through the Georgia WARN Filing Portal. For specific requirements and obligations, please refer to the federal WARN Act.
Can Employers submit a WARN even if not required?
In any circumstance, the State of Georgia highly recommends employers provide advanced notice of employment loss to employees and the surrounding community as soon as possible. Through WorkSource Georgia, Georgia’s public workforce development system, impacted employees may access a variety of reemployment services.
- For lay-offs of 25 workers for more, employers may submit a WARN filing, which will provide the same access of services to affected workers as legally-required WARNs.
- For lay-offs of less than 25 workers, please reach out to Georgia’s Rapid Response Team ([email protected]) to connect employer representatives of affected workers directly to the local WorkSource Georgia office.
Click here to access the Georgia WARN Porta.