DOL Programs Aim To Cut Back Unemployment Rate
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The New York State Department of Labor held a news conference Monday to remind residents and business owners about programs to help avoid layoffs. NY1's Kristen Shaughnessy filed the following report.It'll be another week or so before the latest city and state unemployment numbers are available. But if last week's release of the nationwide figure is any guide, they'll be up again.
In May, nine percent of city workers were unemployed – almost double the year before.
With unemployment numbers continuing to edge up, state officials are hoping some little-used programs can help curb the trend. State Labor Commissioner M. Patricia Smith says only a handful of city businesses have taken advantage of the state's shared-work program, a strategy she says could help them avoid layoffs.
"Instead of laying off a number of employees, you reduce the hours of some or all," she explained. "In return, these employees are eligible for partial unemployment insurance benefits to help make up their loss and they don't lose their health benefits and other benefits they have. "
Smith also said there is a good amount of federal money set aside for training that employers should take advantage of.
"We have a new initiative called Building Skills in New York State. We will give any employer with four or more employees training grants up to $50,000 a company," Smith said. "You have until the 20th to apply. So far only five employers have applied."
Modells Senior Vice President Tom Tilley says few businesses seem to know about the federal work opportunity tax credits program. Modells on 125th Street recently used it to hire 100 additional employees from the community.
"We could not be more pleased to bring the funds in," he said. "They enabled us to hire more employees, train associates to prepare them for future careers at Modells, and beyond Modells."
Congressman Charles Rangel says there are a number of programs out there to help employers, but now the goal is to make sure businesses know about them
"Yes, times are tough," said Rangel. "But employers, especially small employers, will be able to get all types of assistance during this crucial period we are going through as a country."
For more information, go to the DOL website at Labor.NY.Gov.