Dec. 1, 2008 at 2:24pm

Former WaMu employees eligible for assistance

Washington Mutual employees who are receiving layoff notices from JPMorgan Chase are also receiving information from state and local layoff-response officials about unemployment benefits and job-search assistance that are available to them.

Leaders from the state Employment Security Department's mass-layoff unit and the Seattle-King County rapid-response team met recently with JPMorgan officials to plan informational sessions that will supplement the company's own severance and employee-assistance efforts.

A series of one-hour sessions will be held on Dec. 12 for Washington Mutual employees who are being laid off in the next few months.

Workers will learn about how to apply for unemployment benefits and receive information about state and local services that are available to help them find or train for a new job.  JPMorgan will distribute flyers about the meetings, including times and the location, on behalf of the rapid-response teams.

"Ever since we learned that there would be substantial layoffs at Washington Mutual, the governor has asked me several times to make sure we are helping the workers in any way that we can," said Employment Security Commissioner Karen Lee.  "Together with the local rapid-response team, and with the assistance of JPMorgan, we will provide workers with the information and support they need to get through this difficult time."

Posted in Banking/Financial Services, BE Daily, Human Resources , Lacey, Lakewood, Lewis County, Mason County, Olympia, Pierce County, South King County, Tacoma, Thurston County, Tumwater, Workforce by Breanne Coats | Email Breanne

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