Local employers looking to avoid layoffs have an alternative: the Oregon Employment Department's Work Share program.

The program lets businesses reduce staff hours while workers collect partial Unemployment Insurance benefits to offset lost wages, with Oregon's unemployment rate at 5.2% and the state the only one on the West Coast to have lost jobs overall since last year

More than 500 employers statewide are enrolled, OED announced Tuesday, June 30.

Lindsi Leahy, OED's Unemployment Insurance Division director, said she recommends employers apply proactively so they have a plan ready before a downturn hits.

"We want all Oregon employers to know that Work Share is here to provide a viable alternative to layoffs," Leahy said in the announcement.

Employers with at least three Oregon-wage employees can enroll at no cost and with no obligation to activate the program. Seasonal and temporary workers are not eligible.

When hours are reduced, employees keep their benefits intact and collect partial UI payments. Unlike traditional unemployment, workers don't have to search for other jobs while on Work Share, but they must remain available to work for their employer each week.

The program is funded through existing employer payroll taxes.

OED hosts a free informational webinar for employers at 10 a.m. every Tuesday. Employers can also call 503-947-1800 or visit oregon.gov/employ/businesses/pages/work-share.aspx.

OED offices and WorkSource Oregon centers will be closed Friday, July 3, in observance of Independence Day. Phones reopen at 9 a.m. Monday, July 6.