As California’s jobless rate jumped to 9.3 percent in December, the highest level in 15 years, and mass layoffs continue, CalBizCentral, the source for California business and human resource compliance products, presented by the CalChamber is offering a live Web seminar about the do’s and don’ts of layoffs on February 4.

Layoffs 201: Layoffs and Downsizing Issues, is a 90-minute live event that helps businesses learn what they need to consider prior to conducting a layoff.

“A reality of this tough economy is the challenge of laying off employees without exposing your company to liability,” said Jessica Hawthorne, web seminar presenter and employment law counsel with CalBizCentral. “That’s why it’s so important to proceed professionally within the boundaries of the law. Clear policies and procedures and proper training of employees carrying out the layoff can reduce the chances of a lawsuit being filed against the employer.”

Topics to be covered by the live web seminar include:

· Layoff policy: Why businesses should have one and what it should contain.

· Alternatives: Other options to a layoff that can be considered.

· Critical considerations: Factors such as seniority, performance, leaves of absence, severance agreements, waivers and ADEA that may impact how businesses execute the layoff.

· WARN Act: The impact of the WARN Act and its California equivalent on layoff plans.

· Final pay: How to manage final paycheck to employees who are laid off.

· Other impacts: How a lay off could affect your employee bonuses and unemployment insurance.

· Employee Communication: Effectively communicated information to your employees about a layoff without creating confusion or exposing your company to additional liability.

To register for the Layoffs 201: Layoffs and Downsizing Issues web seminar or for more information, please visit www.calbizcentral.com/layoffs or call (800) 331-8877.



About CalBizCentral
CalBizCentral is the premier provider of information that helps businesses easily understand and follow complex California and federal employment laws and regulations. Continuously updated with the most current legal information, human resources tools, forms and calculators, CalBizCentral alleviates confusion and allows businesses to focus their time and effort on their work. For more information, please visit www.calbizcentral.com.

About CalChamber
The California Chamber of Commerce (CalChamber) is the largest broad-based business advocate to government in California. Membership represents one-quarter of the private sector jobs in California and includes firms of all sizes and companies from every industry within the state. Leveraging its front-line knowledge of laws and regulations, it provides products and services to help businesses comply with both federal and state law. CalChamber, a not-for-profit organization with roots dating to 1890, promotes international trade and investment in order to stimulate California's economy and create jobs. Please visit www.calchamber.com for more information.