Partial unemployment, also known as short-time work or work sharing, is a government program that allows employers to reduce the hours of their employees instead of laying them off. This can help businesses avoid layoffs during slow periods and retain their workforce. Employees who are placed on partial unemployment receive a percentage of their regular unemployment benefits, based on the reduction in their hours.
There are a number of benefits to partial unemployment, both for businesses and for employees. For businesses, partial unemployment can help to reduce costs and avoid the disruption of layoffs. For employees, partial unemployment can help to maintain their income and keep their job skills sharp. Partial unemployment can also help to stabilize the economy by preventing a sharp increase in unemployment during economic downturns.