Editor’s note: This press release was provided by the Westchester-Putnam Workforce Development Board.

(WESTCHESTER) October 13, 2020—The Westchester-Putnam Workforce Development Board has received CARES Act funding to assist employers in hiring new staff or bringing back laid off staff through its “EXPERIENCE WORKS” Program. This program provides paid employment to each participant from the agreement activation date until December 30, 2020.

The program is designed to provide timely support to small business owners and jobseekers effected by COVID-19.  Small businesses—the largest employers in Westchester—are particularly in need in this time and the program will allow them to hire or rehire staff while giving them temporary relief from payroll obligations. Job Seekers experiencing uncertain employment, the possible need to change careers midstream, and the challenges of working effectively remotely will directly benefit from this program. The WPWDB will pay the employee for 100% of their wages at the employer’s wage rate commensurate for their job description and title. The Programs runs to December 30, 2020 and all funds must be utilized by Dec. 30.

How it works: Participants will be paid at the employer’s wage rate up until December 30, 2020 on a bi-weekly basis, after which time the WPWDB will work with the employer for continued employment/training services. The participant will be a 1099 contractor of the WPWDB and will receive payment directly. No withholding taxes will be deducted; the participant is responsible for Federal and NYS taxes on the income as well as FICA and Medicare. They will receive a 1099-MISC for 2020 tax returns. There are no eligibility requirements. Any employer may apply.

Employer Responsibility:

• Complete the“Experience Works” Program agreement form providing candidate names and positions;
• Add the participant to the employer’s worker’s compensation policy and provide a copy of the coverage;
• Provide daily supervision of participant and ensure work tasks and duties are commensurate with the job description;
• Provide the WPWDB with weekly attendance records.

Participant Responsibility:

• Complete“Experience Works” form.
• Complete and supply an Electronic Fund Transfer (EFT) and W-9 form to the WPWDB.
• Be responsible for Federal and NYS taxes as well asFICA and Medicare.

“Our Employment Services Staff is ready to accept applications and answer any questions to facilitate the fast activation of potential hires or rehires to their staff. We are eager to provide immediate assistance to alleviate some of the financial duress employers and employees are facing,” stated WPWDB Executive Director Thom Kleiner. “We especially urge small business owners to take advantage of this unique opportunity that Westchester County Executive Latimer has provided at this critical time.”

The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act was passed by Congress with and signed into law by President Trump on March 27th, 2020.  It provides fast and direct economic assistance for American workers, families, and small businesses, and preserve jobs for our American industries.

Register to Attend a Zoom Information Session: rb.gy/s7tigs / multiple dates available

For more information call: 914-995-8552 or email: [email protected]