Lamont offers job assistance for displaced federal workers

HBJ PHOTO | DAVID KRECHEVSKY Gov. Ned Lamont speaks during a news conference at the State Capitol.

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Gov. Ned Lamont is offering help to federal workers in Connecticut who were recently laid off or put on unpaid administrative leave from their jobs.

Lamont announced Tuesday that he has combined several programs and services to assist these state residents affected by the Trump administration’s staffing cuts at federal agencies.

At the most recent count, there were approximately 18,800 federal employees working in Connecticut, state officials said.

“The federal government may have decided that they don’t want these skilled workers, but we want them to know that we value their public service and that Connecticut employers can use their skills,” Lamont said.

He added that the state has “more than 70,000 jobs available,” and that the state Department of Labor (DOL) can help jobseekers find new employment, “or even help them begin an entirely new career if that’s what they want to do.”

Information specifically intended for federal workers and contractors is available on the homepage of the state Labor Department website at htpps://portal.ct.gov/dol. It provides the steps federal workers need to take to file for unemployment benefits, how to get answers to unemployment questions and how to find career services.

State Labor Commissioner Danté Bartolomeo said filing for federal unemployment benefits can be complex.

“It’s a federal system that requires workers to have specific separation documentation in order to file,” she said. “In some cases, workers may have been notified of their dismissal in a non-standard way and need assistance. In other cases, workers may have severance and need career counseling and job search assistance. No matter the circumstance, CTDOL resources are available.”

State DOL units — including the rapid response team, business engagement unit and consumer contact center — have been engaged in initiatives to help laid-off workers get back into the job market quickly, state officials said.

In the coming months, the DOL said, it expects to host a job fair specifically intended for federal workers. It also has five general job fairs taking place this month. Job fairs are free for all jobseekers, and all employers and jobs are vetted by the state.

Job placement and career services are also provided to all state residents at no cost through the American Job Centers. Services include resume writing, career workshops, job search assistance and help for veterans transitioning to the civilian workforce. In person and virtual appointments are available.