Under the Hiring Incentives to Restore Employment (HIRE) Act, enacted in March of this year, tax benefits are available to employers who hire certain previously unemployed workers (qualified employees).

The Internal Revenue Service has created a site with more information on these tax benefits.

The Work Share program offers an alternative to laying off employees. Under the program, instead of being laid off, employees work reduced hours and receive reduced unemployment insurance benefits. You may request to participate if you reduce your work week up to 40%.