This information is designed to help the UW professional staff covered by the University of Washington Professional Staff Program understand how the layoff process is administered. Your unit's Human Resources Consultant is available to answer questions about the layoff process.
Layoff refers to a position's elimination because of a lack of funds, lack of work, or reorganization and is administered according to the Professional Staff Program. A reduction in per cent time or in number of months worked per year does not constitute a layoff so long as the position remains benefits eligible.
The employing unit determines that a layoff is necessary and notifies Human Resources. Your unit's Human Resources Consultant is responsible for coordinating the layoff process.
Professional staff employees receive a minimum of 60 days notice of layoff, and the layoff begins at the end of the work day on the effective date.
If you moved to your professional staff position directly from an eligible classified position, the you may be eligible to revert to the highest classified position previously held if you are notified that you will be laid off. You must notify your HR Operations Office that you wish to return to the classified service no later than 30 calendar days following the effective date of you layoff as a professional staff employee.
Professional staff employees scheduled for layoff may meet with a representative of their service team (Human Resources Consultant or Employment Specialist) to discuss University employment opportunities and learn about the application process. Human Resources is also responsible for determining whether an employee has "reversion rights."
A reduction in a position's per cent time or number of months worked per year does not constitute a layoff.
If your position is reduced in per cent time, your university provided insurance coverage continues as normal as long as your appointment is 50% or greater. If your appointment is reduced in the number of months worked per year, you should contact Benefits/WorkLife to discuss your insurance continuation questions and needs.
If you have automatic payroll deductions you may need to examine them to ensure that the amounts are appropriate for any change in monthly salary you experience or that you make any necessary payments for months in which you are not on the University payroll..