New Jersey employers have announced more than 600 layoffs through the first week of May, according to a statement released on May 11.
The layoffs are part of three facility closures and several additional job reductions that have affected various sectors in the state. These developments may impact local economies and communities as workers face job losses and businesses adjust their operations.
Among the closures, an Accupac plant in Lakewood will result in 260 job losses as the beauty and personal care company consolidates its operations to Pennsylvania. Only nine employees are expected to transfer from this location, with lost positions including line workers, mechanics, and warehouse staff. Danone North America PBD is closing its Bridgeton plant where yogurt and other dairy products were produced since 2001, resulting in 116 jobs lost. In Somerset, DoubleTree by Hilton has announced it will close permanently by August, laying off 90 workers at its hotel and conference center.
Other companies filing Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification (WARN) notices for May include Spirit Airlines with a loss of 201 New Jersey jobs; Verizon with 121; and Fulton Bank with 95. From January through the first week of May, WARN notices indicate that New Jersey has seen a total of 6,637 layoffs announced so far this year. This figure is close to last year’s total for the same period when there were 6,848 layoffs by the end of May—including over a thousand workers affected by Rite Aid store closures.
The New Jersey Business and Industry Association serves as the nation’s largest statewide employer association representing private-sector employers throughout New Jersey. The organization advances competitive excellence for its members while delivering essential information such as advocacy services and cost-saving benefits to support business prosperity; it also facilitates partnerships among businesses, government entities, and academic institutions according to the official website.
Michele Siekerka serves as president and chief executive officer of the association according to the official website.
