Layoffs in New York

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.

New York has its own rules (New York State WARN Act):

• Applies to private businesses with 50 or more full-time employees in New York State.
• Covers closings affecting 25 or more employees; mass layoffs of 25 or more full-time employees when they make up at least 33% of the site's employees; and mass layoffs of 250 or more full-time employees, plus certain relocations and reductions in hours.
• Covered businesses must give notice 90 days in advance, longer than the federal 60 days.

Source: WARN (Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification), New York State Department of Labor (New York Labor Law, Article 25-A). Checked October 11, 2026.

Where to get help

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