Worker information
Being laid off from your job is one of the most traumatic events you can experience in life. However, you do not need to go through this transition alone. Working with your employer, there are services and resources that can be brought to you on site at your company prior to your layoff date. These services and resources are part of a program called Rapid Response, which will customize services and resources to your needs and the needs of your company, with a goal of getting you back to work as soon as possible and minimize the disruptions on your life that a layoff will cause.
Rapid Response is initiated when the Rapid Response team learns of impending layoffs. Many companies will contact the Rapid Response team to notify them of a layoff and invite them to come on site to help the workers who will be laid off.
The Rapid Response team will provide you information on available means to maintain an income (unemployment insurance), information on employment services, access to skills upgrading and training resources, and much more. This service is extremely valuable and the earlier services are begun, the better. Services and resources vary, so be sure to attend Rapid Response sessions when they are offered so that you are aware of the full array of benefits for which you may be eligible.
The standard programs that are covered during the Rapid Response sessions are:
- Unemployment insurance to assist you financially while you are seeking new employment.
- Employment services such as resume writing, interviewing techniques, labor market information and job hunting tips and resources.
- Job training if needed to change occupations in order to secure suitable work.
- Employment counseling- assistance to help you explore new career opportunities.
- Trade Adjustment Assistance (if applicable)
Additional workshops can be arranged or a presentation on the following incorporated into the Rapid Response sessions:
- Resume writing
- Job search skills
- Interviewing techniques
- Stress management
- Financial planning
- Health insurance planning
- Starting your own business
- Labor market information
- Education and training opportunities
- Tax assistance
When your company allows Rapid Response activities to take place on the company site and on company time, you will be able to begin services, including training, before you lose your job. The sooner this process starts, the more quickly the stress of a traumatic event such as a layoff can be managed, through access to important information and services that will enhance re-employment opportunities.
Be sure to take advantage of whatever services are provided during the Rapid Response process, while you are still employed or while unemployment insurance benefits, severance payments or other financial resources are still available to you.
If you know your company is planning layoffs and have not been told that Rapid Response services will be available to you, or your company laid you off without notice, please contact the Rapid Response team.
