US Department of Labor provides grant increment for continued assistance to New Jersey workers affected by pharmaceutical industry layoffs

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Labor today announced a $2,583,093 increment of a National Emergency Grant to continue employment-related services for about 960 workers affected by layoffs from pharmaceutical companies in northern New Jersey.

"The additional federal funding announced today will ensure that New Jersey workers impacted by these layoffs will continue to receive job training and placement services," said Secretary of Labor Hilda L. Solis. "This assistance will help qualify and connect these workers with jobs in growing local industries."

Awarded to the New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development in September 2010, the grant provides affected workers with access to dislocated worker services, including short-term certification courses and on-the-job training. The U.S. Department of Labor announced a grant of $3,644,575 on Sept. 23, 2010, with $1,061,482 released initially. The award announced today represents the final increment of the grant.

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/.