The Tennessee Department of Labor & Workforce Development (TDLWD) announced Tuesday a new digitized filing system is now available to employers issuing WARN notices. The online portal allows TDLWD to quickly assist employees affected by layoffs.

“The new WARN filing system streamlines the entire process for both the employer and our agency, reducing the response time in getting critical services to employees impacted by a pending closure,” TDLWD Commissioner Burns Phillips said.

The Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification (WARN) Act protects workers, their families, and communities by requiring employers to provide notice 60 days in advance of plant closings, mass layoffs, and sale of businesses.

Companies having 50-99 employees affected by a layoff or closure are typically required to report this information via a WARN filing to the Tennessee Department of Labor & Workforce Development required under Tennessee law (T.C.A. 50-1-6-1). Employers with more than 99 employees should refer to the federal WARN Act.

“WARN laws allow folks to prepare for possibly difficult times that can come with a layoff, giving them a chance to make plans for the transition. The laws also give our agency time to deploy numerous resources to assist everyone impacted by the layoff,” said Commissioner Phillips.

The new digital process allows employers to provide all required information online without concern of missing items or receipt of submission. Employers may file their WARN Notice onhttps://stateoftennessee.formstack.com/forms/warn_notice_information. More information regarding WARN Notices and the federal and state law requirements can be found at http://www.tn.gov/workforce/article/warn-notices. – See more at:http://www.tn.gov/news/42717#sthash.vv6t3yLF.dpuf