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Notices of Layoffs and Closures (WARN)
The Illinois Department of Commerce and Local Workforce Innovation Areas (LWIAs) provide services to employers in the state of Illinois who are planning or have gone through a layoff. Along with providing services, they, along with individuals and employers, have the ability to report layoffs in Illinois.
A WARN layoff is a plant closure or mass layoff. Under state law, employers must notify the state when they plan to lay off workers. This law is known as the WARN Act (Illinois Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act).
Additional WARN information available at:
https://www.illinoisworknet.com/LayoffRecovery/Pages/LayoffAssistanceEmployers.aspx
Additional Reporting Requirements
Employers operating fossil fuel power plants or coal mines in Illinois: The Displaced Energy Worker Bill of Rights, part of Illinois’ Climate and Equitable Jobs Act (CEJA, Public Act 102-0662), helps workers impacted by fossil fuel power plant and coal mine closures by ensuring they receive timely information and support services. Employers must notify the DCEO within 48 hours of filing a closure or deactivation notice (if applicable), provide employment details for affected workers, and share closure plans that outline the support being offered. For full requirements, see 20 ILCS 735/10-25. If job loss occurs, employers should comply with WARN reporting and access Rapid Response Services.
Local news organizations in Illinois: The Strengthening Community Media Act (815 ILCS 412) supports local journalism by promoting investment in local news, protecting editorial independence, and addressing industry decline. It sets criteria for qualifying outlets and requires at least 120 days’ notice before a sale to employees, DCEO, local government, and eligible in-state nonprofit entities. For full requirements, see 815 ILCS 412/1. Notices to DCEO should be sent to CEO.MediaActSubmission@Illinois.gov. If job loss occurs, employers should comply with WARN reporting and access Rapid Response Services.
Economic Development Incentives in Illinois: The Business Economic Support Act (BESA) In the State of Illinois, Public Act 87-130 Section 15 states any business or industry is required to provide notice under the WARN Act and receiving State or local economic development incentives for doing or continuing to do business in this State, shall also provide at the same time a copy of that notice to the Governor, the Speaker and Minority Leader of the House of Representatives, the President and Minority Leader of the Senate, and the Mayor of each municipality where the private entity has locations in this State.
WARN Layoffs
Illinois WARN defines notice-triggering events differently than federal WARN. Illinois WARN applies to employers with 75 or more full-time employees (excluding part-time workers) and requires employers to provide 60 days advance notice of pending plant closures or mass layoffs.
A “mass layoff” under Illinois WARN is a reduction in force at a single site of employment that is not the result of a “plant closing” and results in employment losses during any 30-day period (or, in some cases, during any 90-day period) of 25 or more full-time employees if they constitute one-third or more of full-time employees at the site, or 250 or more full-time employees.
WARN Monthly Reports
Click here to view the WARN dashboard and the monthly WARN reports issued since 1999. Reports include only summary details on affected employers and their layoffs or plant closures.
For additional information contact:
Office of Employment & Training
217-299-2815
CEO.WARNSubmission@Illinois.gov