Laid off during the holidays? Here are tips to stay afloat

SALT LAKE CITY — US Magnesium recently laid off 186 employees. The Utah Department of Workforce Services shares tips if you find yourself in a similar situation.

Getting laid off can be a bitter pill to swallow, especially during the holidays. Christina Davis, spokesperson for the Utah Department of Workforce Services said it may feel like a loss of control.

“Our unemployment rate in Utah, right now is pretty low at 3.5% compared to 4.1% in the country … And when you’ve lost your job, those numbers kind of feel pretty meaningless.”

However, Davis said the low unemployment rate means there are jobs available in the state. She recommends pausing to evaluate your situation and then make a plan.

“What do your expenses look like? Make a plan for a job search, and then of course, apply for unemployment insurance.”

Davis said some people may be eligible for retraining resources if they are looking to change occupations. But the first thing to do when losing a job is apply for unemployment insurance.

“On our website, we have 25,000 jobs available. So again, hopefully, that can help people to feel a little bit more optimistic.”

 According to ksl.com, current market conditions spurred the US Magnesium lay offs in its Great Salt Lake plant. However, the company hopes to rehire some people when the market allows.

Tammy Kikuchi is a reporter and anchor for KSL NewsRadio. 

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