Governor Signs Law Modifying New Jersey “Shared Work Programs”

On January 22, 2014, Governor Chris Christie signed into law a bill (S2741) that modifies short-time unemployment benefits as they relate to employees in shared work programs. “Shared work programs” refer to programs submitted by New Jersey employers for approval by the Division of Unemployment and Temporary Disability Insurance of the Department of Labor and Workforce, under which the employer requests short-term benefits payable to employees in an affected unit of the employer to avert layoffs. The amended law expands some of the benefits afforded to employees covered under such a program and also sets forth additional requirements for employers, particularly with respect to the application process.