US Department of Labor provides more than $3.6 million to assist workers in New Jersey affected by pharmaceutical industry layoffs

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Labor today announced a $3,644,575 grant to assist about 960 workers affected by layoffs from the pharmaceutical industry in northern New Jersey.

"Today's grant will give these workers the opportunity to find new jobs in expanding sectors of the state's economy," said Secretary of Labor Hilda L. Solis. "These are hard-working and highly talented individuals, and we want to do everything possible to help guide and prepare them for other employment opportunities that may be available locally."

Awarded to and operated by the New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development, this grant will provide affected workers with access to dislocated worker services. These services may include skills assessment, basic skills training, individual career counseling and occupational skills training.

The New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development plans to use the awarded funds to help keep New Jersey's pharmaceutical talent in the state and leverage that talent to create a world class bioscience cluster, which will improve the state's long-term economic competitiveness.

Between November 2009 and February 2010, Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act notices were issued by four of the six pharmaceutical companies covered under this grant. Layoffs took place between Jan. 1 and June 30, 2010.

Of the $3,644,575 announced today, $1,061,482 will be released initially. Additional funding, up to the amount approved, will be made available as the state demonstrates a continued need for assistance.

National Emergency Grants are part of the secretary of labor's discretionary fund and are awarded based on a state's ability to meet specific guidelines. For more information, visit http://www.doleta.gov/NEG/.