Thank you for your continued and committed service to our community as the COVID-19 coronavirus situation continues to evolve. We want to assure our staff, board and partners that we are closely monitoring this rapidly changing situation and have made some business decisions to support guidance issued by government officials and medical professionals in response to the spread of COVID-19 in our community.

Pursuant to directives and guidance issued by Governor Brown, we are encouraging Willamette Workforce Partnership staff to telecommute through March 31 to coincide with the school closure timeframe. We will re-evaluate this as new guidance is issued. To be clear, we are not closed and staff are available and working. We are here to support and help the community during this disruptive time.

We have compiled several resources that are available for employers and community partners.

The layoff aversion program can help a business avoid layoffs – for more information, please contact us. Work Share can also be helpful in avoiding layoffs, read here for more information https://www.oregon.gov/EMPLOY/Unemployment/Pages/Work-Share-Program.aspx.

If layoffs are inevitable, we can help by providing services to affected workers. Another resource for small businesses and employers planning and responding to the impacts of COVID-19 is the National Business Emergency Operations Center, found here: https://www.sba.gov/page/guidance-businesses-employers-plan-respond-coronavirus-disease-2019-covid-19.

Finally, for the most recent information on unemployment insurance eligibility and other program resources and requirements, visit this website: https://www.oregon.gov/employ/Pages/COVID-19.aspx.

As we receive more information, we will share it with you. Feel free to distribute this material with your colleagues. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to email any of the Willamette Workforce Partnership Staff; our contact information is available on our website at: https://willwp.org/mission/meet-the-staff.