Reduction In Force

Due to a lack of need or funding, it may become necessary for the Department to institute a Reduction In Force (RIF) plan. Employees shall be notified in writing 15 working days in advance of the effective date if they are to be affected by the RIF. An employee who receives such notification should contact the Office of Human Resources to discuss other possible employment opportunities. Upon written notification to the Office of Human Resources, RIF’d employees are assured notification of all job vacancies in the Department for a period of one year after they have been RIF’d and will be given preferential treatment based on qualifications and prior job performance. If placement is not possible before the layoff date, the employee will be given information about his or her rights under the West Virginia Unemployment Compensation Plan.

Laid‑off employees will be paid for accrued annual leave not to exceed 40 days. An employee's sick leave is restored if recalled to employment.

Laid‑off employees who are participating members of the Public Employees Insurance Agency will have continued basic health and life insurance coverage for themselves and basic health insurance coverage for eligible dependents for the entire month of separation plus an additional three months following the month of separation, at no additional cost to the employee. Under the provisions of the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (COBRA), laid‑off employees and eligible dependents may continue their medical insurance coverage at their own expense for an additional 18 months beyond the mandatory three‑month extension period. The 18 month maximum period may be extended to 29 months for COBRA beneficiaries who are disabled on the date insurance coverage terminates.

Laid‑off employees may apply for returns of retirement contributions provided they have not reached age 60 and become eligible for an annuity at the time of layoff; however, all credited service is forfeited on withdrawal of the contributions. Laid‑off employees may wish to consider leaving their retirement contributions invested with the fund to ensure future retirement benefits.

Unemployment compensation is available to laid‑off employees who are able and available to accept suitable, full‑time work and who meet base period income (previously earned income) and all other requirements of the Employment Security Commission.