Displaced Workers: Reductions in Force - The Maryland Guide to Wage Payment and Employment Standards

(Not under the enforcement powers of the Employment Standards Service)

Although in possession of broad discretionary powers to terminate workers at-will, employers may nevertheless be required under the federal WARN Law to provide advance notice of layoffs to employees under certain circumstances. In addition, the Maryland Economic Stabilization Act provides for the adoption of voluntary guidelines to be followed by employers regarding advance notification of reductions in operations, provision of information on continuation of benefits, and mechanisms for State assistance. For more information, contact the Maryland Dislocated Worker Unit at (410) 767-2803.

Maryland law also requires employers to give notice to their local Office of Unemployment Insurance when laying off 25 or more employees for a common reason for periods in excess of 7 days.