Significant Job Cuts Coming to Oakland County
Oakland County is bracing for a wave of layoffs that will affect hundreds of employees in the coming weeks. Three companies have announced they will cut a total of 389 jobs by the end of December, leaving employees and their families concerned as the holiday season approaches.
Pontiac General Hospital at the Forefront
Among the most significant cuts comes from Pontiac General Hospital, which is set to lay off a staggering 248 employees. These layoffs will occur in three phases: starting on November 29, with subsequent rounds on December 6 and December 20. This decision follows a warning from federal officials that the hospital’s Medicare and Medicaid funding will be terminated as of November 24.
In a letter sent to state officials, Pontiac General stated that this drastic measure was “not reasonably foreseeable,” and emphasized that they believe the loss of funding will only be temporary. The hospital does not expect a complete shutdown, assuring that not all staff will be affected. However, the news comes as a blow to the community as the hospital has been under scrutiny for not meeting several federal healthcare standards.
Other Companies Following Suit
The hospital isn’t alone in these layoffs. Webasto Roof Systems in New Hudson has announced it will let go of 62 employees on December 16. Meanwhile, Leo Burnett Detroit, part of a global advertising powerhouse, is closing its Troy office following the loss of its General Motors account, resulting in 79 layoffs on December 31.
Job Seekers: Help is Available
As the number of layoffs rises, there’s a silver lining for those impacted. Oakland County’s MichiganWorks! is stepping in to lend a helping hand. Jennifer Llewellyn, who directs the county’s six MichiganWorks! offices, reported an uptick in layoffs over the past six months, with over 2,046 jobs lost since the start of the year.
Despite the current situation, Llewellyn assures residents that “there are still a lot of companies hiring.” The organization is committed to assisting those affected by layoffs through various skill-matching services and career support. Oakland County currently boasts a low unemployment rate of 3.8%, a statistic that might offer encouragement to job seekers.
How MichiganWorks! Can Help
MichiganWorks! has a dedicated rapid-response team that collaborates closely with businesses and affected employees. Their services range from assisting with unemployment applications, updating resumes, to preparing for interviews. Llewellyn noted that her office recently organized a job fair amidst the closure of Rite-Aid’s warehouse in Waterford, proving their commitment to finding solutions for job seekers.
No one truly likes to face job loss, especially during the festive holiday season. Llewellyn encourages anyone who might be affected to reach out to their local MichiganWorks! office. “You don’t need an appointment,” she said, pointing out that being proactive can significantly ease the transition.
Optimizing Your Job Search
Her advice for those navigating job loss is to stay prepared and organized. Here are some tips to consider:
- Start preparing before your last workday.
- Set achievable daily goals for job applications and networking.
- Consider teaming up with a career advisor at MichiganWorks! to refine your strategy.
With the end of the year nearing, the pressure might feel intense, but remember: there’s support out there. If you’re in Oakland County and facing uncertainty, don’t hesitate to visit MichiganWorks!—it could be the first step towards landing your next opportunity.
