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Notice rules

Under the federal WARN Act, employers with 100 or more employees generally must give 60 days’ written notice before a plant closing or mass layoff.

California has its own rules (California WARN Act (Cal-WARN)):

• Applies to employers with 75 or more employees, counting full-time and part-time workers.
• Covers a layoff of 50 or more employees within a 30-day period, a plant or facility closure, or a relocation of operations.
• Employers must give written notice at least 60 days in advance.

Source: Layoff Services: WARN, California Employment Development Department (California Labor Code, Section 1400.5). Checked October 11, 2026.

Where to get help

• File for unemployment in California official state site
• Find an American Job Center near you job-search and training help (CareerOneStop, U.S. Department of Labor)
• California’s Rapid Response team state help for workers after a layoff (U.S. Department of Labor directory)
• Every California WARN notice as filed with the state
• What to do in your first week