Rapid Response

Notify us of the layoff

Tennessee employers are required to send a written notice to the Dislocated Worker Unit 60 days in advance of a plant closure or mass layoff when 50 or more workers are affected.


We’ll send WARN Notification Letters

We generate WARN Notification Letters which are required and distributed to the highest elected local official, the Local Workforce Investment Act Executive Director, the Governor's designated cabinet members, certain federally elected representatives and others in need of this information. Area Dislocated Worker coordinators are notified of impending layoffs or closures.
 

Initial Employer Meeting

After the WARN Notices are generated, the coordinators then contact the company and other members of the Rapid Response team within 48 hours to set up an initial meeting to plan transition services for employees.

Orientation for Dislocated Workers

We are here to help transition your employees during a layoff.  We serve both workers and employers.  

Tennessee’s Rapid Response Team assists dislocated workers who lose their jobs through no fault of their own. Workers who lose their jobs because of permanent business closures or mass layoffs, adverse economic or trade conditions, or as a result of natural or man-made disasters can be assisted. The Rapid Response team helps employees during layoffs by providing information about retraining, job opportunities, unemployment insurance benefits as well as local, state, and federal services.

  • Presentations to employees on available services
  • Reemployment prospects
  • Information on unemployment insurance benefits, Tennessee American Job Center services, employment and training activities, and labor market information
  • Trade Adjustment Assistance program
  • Adult education, skills upgrading, high school equivalency preparation and testing
Contacts

Rapid Response Phone

800-255-5872

Houston Shaw

Director - Employer Services
615-210-2724
Houston.Shaw@tn.gov