Staying One Step Ahead: What You Should Know If Your Employer Announces a Mass Layoff

Suddenly being told you no longer have a job can strain you and your family financially. There may be no indication that your boss is preparing to announce layoffs, but if you’re ever in a similar situation to employees at Twitter, you need to know your rights.
The first thing to know about being laid off, for any mass layoff, it is required by law that you are given at least a 60-day notice. Some states may require even more of notice. According to CNN, if your employer violates this rule under the WARN Act, they must pay out up to 60 days or more of back wages and benefits.
Another fact about being laid off is you should not depend on or expect to receive severance pay. It would be best if you tried to save for sudden news such as a layoff. At the same time, many employers give severance pay; a company is not required to provide severance pay unless you’re a part of a union. You are also guaranteed a severance package if you have an individual contract with your employer stating so.
There are also rules when it comes to taking severance pay. If you are offered severance pay, you will likely have to sign documents including confidentiality, cooperation, and non-solicitation. Before taking the severance, consider how long it will last before you have another job. You can negotiate your severance if you have legitimate claims or proof of wrongdoing against a company. Also, remember if you can afford a lawyer, it is wise to hire one to review the company’s offer.