ResourcesWARN ActNew Jersey

New Jersey WARN Act

NJ WARN Act (N.J.S.A. 34:21-1 et seq., as amended 2023)

90-day noticeMandatory severance

Key thresholds

Employer minimum

100employees

Notice required

90days

↑ 30 days more than federal

Employee threshold

50+

Look-back window

90days

Rolling aggregation period

Mandatory severance

1 week per year of service

+4 weeks late-notice penalty

Per employee if notice deadline is missed

Key nuances for New Jersey

Mandatory 1 week severance per year of service when 50+ employees are laid off. 90-day notice required. If notice is not given, an additional 4 weeks of pay per affected employee is owed as a penalty (additive, not a floor). No faltering company exception.

How New Jersey differs from federal WARN

FactorFederal WARNNJ
Employer minimum100+ employees100+ employees
Notice required60 days90 days
Employee threshold50+ AND 33%, or 500+50+
Covers part-timeNo (20+ hrs/wk only)No
Mandatory severanceNoYes — 1 wk/yr
Safe harborsFaltering company, Unforeseeable business circumstances, Natural disasterUnforeseeable business circumstances, Natural disaster

Other states

CaliforniaConnecticutHawaiiIllinoisIowaMaineMarylandMassachusettsMinnesotaNew HampshireNew YorkTennesseeWisconsin

This page is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Laws change — always verify with qualified employment counsel before a reduction in force.

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