Human Resource Services

FAQs: Employees impacted by UF layoffs

 

What is layoff?

A layoff is the involuntary termination of an employee due to the abolishment of the employee’s position, depending on type of position (faculty or staff). University Regulation 6C1-1.017 governs TEAMS, USPS, and Faculty layoff.

Can I be laid off?

All positions are subject to layoff. Layoffs may occur at any time for any of the following business reasons: adverse financial circumstances; reallocation of resources; reorganization for degree or curriculum offerings or requirement; reorganization of academic or administrative structures, programs or functions; curtailment or abolishment of programs or functions; shortage of work; or a material change of duties.

How does the university determine who would be laid off?

The university strives to evaluate programs, general expenses, and vacant positions and then as a last resort, any occupied positions that would result in a layoff. In the event that a layoff becomes necessary, determination of which employees to layoff will be based on the relevant policy and business needs. The administrator of the unit determines which classification(s) of position(s) to be abolished.

What is a layoff unit?

Layoff units are determined by administrative reporting rather than funding. For academic units, except the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, each individual college will be designated as a layoff area. IFAS is designated as its own layoff area. In non-academic areas, the layoff unit will be defined by the Vice Presidential area.

What factors affect my retention points?

For staff, retention points are calculated based on employee’s continuous years of service and performance evaluations. Retention points are used to determine layoff order for USPS and non-exempt TEAMS employees. Layoff order for exempt TEAMS employees are determined by years of continuous service and business needs. OPS employment does not count towards years of service.

How much notice will I receive if I am to be laid off?

TEAMS and USPS employees will be provided written notice of layoff rights at least forty-five (45) calendar days in advance of layoff.

Faculty out-of-unit with three (3) or more years of service will receive one (1) year notice; less than three (3) years of service will receive six (6) months notice. Faculty in-unit have the same notice requirements.

Do employees have “bumping rights” if laid off?

TEAMS employees do not have bumping rights. USPS employees do have bumping rights.

Based on a USPS employee’s elections during their options meeting with Human Resource Services, USPS employees may be considered for vacant “frozen” positions to which they have rights; that is, classifications in which they have previously held permanent status or lower classifications in those series. If an appropriate vacant position is not identified, and the employee has elected to “bump,” Human Resource Services will coordinate interviews for appropriate non-vacant positions within the layoff area in retention point order.

USPS employees may only bump non-vacant classifications in which they have previously held permanent positions that are currently held by USPS employees with probationary status or USPS employees with fewer total retention points than the layoff candidate. They may not bump TEAMS employees or employees in time-limited positions. Consideration for vacant or non-vacant positions to which a USPS employee has layoff rights will be determined by the hiring authority working in conjunction with Human Resource Services. TEAMS employees do not have “bumping rights” or rights to vacant positions.

Do I have recall rights?

USPS employees have a right to be recalled within one (1) year if a vacancy occurs in the same position and class within the same layoff unit from which the employee was laid off. Rehire will be determined by the hiring authority based on the specific requirements of the position. TEAMS employees do not have recall rights.

In-unit faculty have two (2) years recall rights, while out-of-unit faculty have one (1) year.

I am on a time-limited appointment; do I have layoff rights?

No. Separation of employees on time-limited appointments will not be categorized as layoff. The university typically provides forty-five (45) days courtesy notice to such employees.

Will I be able to get assistance with finding other employment opportunities with UF?

Yes. Human Resource Services will be available to assist you with identifying vacancies within the university that meet your skill set, as well as writing your resume, and completing online applications.

Will I receive preference from the hiring managers for those positions I apply for?

Hiring managers will be encouraged to give you consideration for positions you apply for, but this does not guarantee a job. Human Resource Services has also developed relationships with other area employers and will share all other job openings

Am I guaranteed employment if I am enrolled in the Deferred Retirement Option Program (DROP)?

No. Your employment status is not changed by your DROP participation. You may quit your job or your employer may lay you off or terminate you in the same manner as before your participation in DROP began.

If I am in DROP, and I am laid off, what happens to my retirement?

If you are in DROP, and do not find employment by the end of the month following your layoff date, you will be considered retired, and must start to draw your retirement benefit.

What happens to my insurance if I am laid off?

Your current health insurance coverage will continue through the end of the month following your layoff effective date provided your health insurance premiums are paid in advance. Thereafter, you may continue your health insurance for up to two (2) years under a layoff continuation option. You may contact University Benefits at 392-2477 for further information.

If you are eligible to retire and choose to do so or currently participate in DROP, you may convert your state health and life insurance. The premiums will be deducted from your retirement check. Please contact University Retirement at 392-2477 for assistance with this process.

What happens to my retirement if I am laid off?

If you are in the FRS Pension Plan, and are not eligible to retire without a penalty, then you do not have to start drawing a benefit until you reach your normal retirement date. Call the Division of Retirement, Bureau of Calculations at 1-888-738-2252 for information regarding your years of service credit or to request an estimate of retirement benefits. If you are a participant in the Investment Plan, contact MyFRS Financial Guidance Line at 1-866-446-9377. If you are an ORP participant, contact your investment provider for guidance.

What happens to my leave if I am laid off?

Your leave will be paid out in accordance with university's leave policy. If the gross value of your total leave cash out is less than $2,000, you will receive payment in the form of a check from the University. If the gross value of your vacation and sick leave cash out is $2,000 or more, your leave cash out will be distributed to a retirement 401(a) plan to minimize University and employee tax liability. For further details, please see http://www.hr.ufl.edu/retirement/other/specialpayplan.asp

Do I have an appeal or grievance right if I am laid off?

Yes. Please contact Employee Relations to discuss your options.

If I am laid off, am I eligible for unemployment compensation?

Yes. An employee who is laid off would be eligible for unemployment compensation.

What other services are available to me if I am laid off?

The University Employee Assistance Program (EAP) is available to assist employees impacted by layoff. Time spent to attend EAP sessions is considered time worked. The EAP is located in Room 24 of the Student Health Care Center (Infirmary Building) and can be reached by phone at 392-5787.

Other questions may be referred to the appropriate section of the Office of Human Resource Services:

Employee Relations:

Recruitment and Staffing (392-2477)

Benefits (392-2477)

Retirement (392-2477)

 

How do I file a Florida claim for unemployment compensation benefits?

A claim for unemployment compensation benefits can be filed at www.fluidnow.com. The site is available 7 days a week, 24 hours a day. A claim may also be filed by telephone by calling toll free 1-800-204-2418. The telephone center is open to process claims Monday through Friday, 8:00 am to 5:00 pm. Florida law requires that the effective date of your claim will be the Sunday prior to the day you file the claim. You may also file by mail. Claim booklets are available at the One Stop Career Centers (Agency for Workforce Innovation) throughout Florida. The booklet contains the form required to file your claim.

The local One Stop Career Center (Unemployment Office) here in Gainesville is located at 4800 SW 13th Street. Their phone number is 955-2245. A list of the One Stop Career Centers may be found on www.floridajobs.org. Computers are also available at the One Stop Career Centers so that you can file your claim using the Internet.

When does an individual start receiving UC Benefits?

Florida law requires every individual to serve one waiting week during which no UC benefits are paid. This waiting week is the first week that an individual files a claim and meets all eligibility requirements. An eligible claimant generally receives his or her first check three to four weeks after filing the initial claim and meeting all eligibility requirements.

How much money will an individual receive each week while on unemployment compensation?

If an individual is found to be eligible, the amount of his/her unemployment check will be between $32 and $275 per week, based on his/her previous earnings. An individual's work history determines the duration of her benefit eligibility. The maximum duration that benefits may be paid is 26 full weeks.