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Coronavirus (COVID-19) Relief Center

Coronavirus (COVID-19) Relief Center

California

These resources – like the public health crisis itself – are constantly evolving and are only current as to the date of publication. This page was last updated on September 25, 2020.

For more up-to-date information on the relief programs available in California, we recommend that you visit the Secretary of State's website or the California COVID-19 portal.

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Description of Program and Relief

Temporary Suspension of Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification (WARN) Act 60-Day Notice Requirement

As part of COVID-19 relief measures, California Governor Gavin Newsom has issued an Executive Order suspending the California Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification (WARN) Act’s 60-day notice requirement until the end of the COVID-19 emergency, enabling employers to use the “unforeseeable business circumstance” exception to the notice obligation. Employers continue to be required to: (1) provide written notice to employees impacted by the layoff or shutdown, and the state and local government; (2) give as much paid notice as possible; (3) explain in writing to the affected employees, and state and local government why full notice cannot be given; and (4) expressly notify employees of their eligibility for unemployment insurance benefits.

Government or Lead Agency

State of California, Employment Development Department

Dates Available

Suspension of the 60-day notice requirement is effective March 4, 2020 until the end of the State of Emergency.

Eligibility Requirements/Restrictions

Employers that employ or have employed in the preceding 12 months, 75 or more full and part-time employees. Employees must have been employed for at least 6 months of the 12 months preceding the date of required notice in order to be counted.

For further details on WARN Act eligibility, please consult guidance provided by California’s Employment Development Department, located here.

Application Deadlines (If Applicable)

N/A

Contact for More Information

For more information, contact your Local Workforce Development Area Administrator, listed here.

List of Additional Information

The Executive Order N-31-20 can be found here.

WARN Act FAQs can be found here.

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