One year after Governor Paterson directed the Department of Labor to vigorously promote the Shared Work Program to businesses, department figures show the program saved 11,000 jobs in 2009. "What started out as a little-known program has now become a huge help to struggling businesses," said Governor David A. Paterson. "Approximately 2,300 companies are now taking part in the program. Shared Work is a proven program that helps businesses and employees stay afloat." Shared Work gives employers an alternative to layoffs. Rather than lay off a percentage of workers to cut costs, an employer can reduce the hours of all or a select group of employees. Those workers can use the program to collect partial UI benefits to make up for the lost wages. The Shared Work program allows them to keep their health insurance, retirement, vacation pay, and other fringe benefits. A company in the Shared Work Programs gets to keep the skilled and trained worker during lean times & when business picks up, the employer does not have to find new workers and train them. Companies can apply for the Shared Work Program at http://www.labor.ny.gov/ui/dande/sharedwork1.shtm. For more information or to apply for the Shared Work Program please call (518) 457-5807.