How The New "SharedWork Ohio" Law Will Affect Employers

This summer, Ohio Gov. John Kasich signed into law "SharedWork Ohio," an initiative designed to help workers and employers alike by preventing layoffs.  The "SharedWork Ohio" program gives Ohio employers new flexibility to keep their workforce intact when experiencing a downturn in business.

Employers who need to make cuts to reduce the number of hours worked may now do so across an entire workforce rather than laying off a set number of employees.  The "SharedWork Ohio" program has been touted as a "win-win" for employers and employees. But it brings with it a new requirement for employers to "promptly and adequately" respond to unemployment information request from the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS). Most importantly, as of October 21, 2013, Ohio employers can no longer ignore such requests without adverse consequences.