All schools in Upshur County will close at 1 p.m. today. All B-UHS sporting events today are canceled.

WorkForce West Virginia announces Short-Time Compensation Program as an alternative to layoffs

CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Governor Jim Justice announced today that employers facing a reduction in business activity can now apply for the Short-Time Compensation (STC) Program through WorkForce West Virginia. This new program provides an alternative to layoffs for employers experiencing a decrease in available work.

The program is open to employers seeking alternatives to layoffs during lowered economic activity. STC allows employers to reduce work hours instead of laying off some employees while others continue to work full-time. Eligible employees with reduced hours may collect a percentage of their unemployment compensation (UC) benefits to replace a portion of their lost wages.

“This program helps keep West Virginians employed while supporting both large and small businesses in a time where they may be struggling,” said Scott Adkins, Acting Commissioner of WorkForce West Virginia. “The STC program provides a prorated amount of the unemployment compensation payment that workers would have received if they were fully unemployed. Employees will also receive the same healthcare and retirement benefits they had access to before the reduction in hours.”

Businesses must have an approved plan with WorkForce West Virginia to be eligible for this program. In the event of a reduction in hours, employers must apply and be approved by WorkForce West Virginia and the STC Unit for employees to be eligible for these funds. Interested employers should register for the STC program through WorkForce West Virginia and complete the application process. As part of the application, the plan must include employee-identifying information, the normal hours worked per week, and the proposed reduction of hours per week for the employees in the affected unit. If the application is approved, the employer will receive a letter with next steps.

To be eligible for participation, employers must reduce hours by at least 10 percent but no more than 60 percent of the workweek to qualify.

While receiving UC benefits under an STC plan, employees are not required to meet availability or work search requirements. However, they are required to be available for their standard workweek. While preventing a total layoff, STC provides significantly more UC benefits to employees compared to employees who have had their hours reduced and filed for partial unemployment compensation benefits.

For more information about WorkForce West Virginia and the Short-Time Compensation Program, visit https://uc.workforcewv.org/consumer or via email at STC@wv.gov.

Share this story:

Local Businesses

RECENT Stories

Upshur County Sports Calendar

This week’s Upshur County sports calendar lists area high school and West Virginia Wesleyan schedules, including multiple football, soccer, volleyball, cross country, tennis, and golf events running Oct. 13–19.

On the City of Buckhannon calendar: October 13-17, 2025

Buckhannon announces public meetings, yard waste pickup, farmers market, arts and theater events, holiday parades and celebrations, safety reminders, and upcoming community dates through 2026.

Daniel William “Danny” Kasten

Daniel William “Danny” Kasten, 67, of Pinnell Street, Buckhannon, a longtime construction and maintenance worker, devoted fisherman and cook, died October 13, 2025, and is survived by his wife Colleen, two sisters, nieces and nephews.

Wesleyan’s Niland named MEC Runner of the Week

West Virginia Wesleyan’s Kent Niland and Glenville State’s Natalie Barr were named MEC Cross Country Runners of the Week after strong showings at the Carnegie Mellon Invite, with Niland posting Wesleyan’s second-fastest 8K and Barr breaking her school 5K record.

Wesleyan X-C teams run at CMU Invitational

West Virginia Wesleyan’s cross country teams posted strong results at the CMU Invitational, with the women finishing fifth (163 points) and the men taking third (130 points) amid competitive regional fields.

Bunker scores early for soccer ‘Cats but they earn a 1-1 draw with Point Park

Casey Bunker’s third-minute goal gave West Virginia Wesleyan an early lead, but after a 51st-minute red card they played shorthanded and conceded in the 61st minute to settle for a 1-1 draw with Point Park.

Wesleyan women earn hard-fought 2-2 with Point Park

Wesleyan rallied twice to erase early deficits and earn a hard-fought 2-2 draw with Point Park at Culpepper Stadium, outshooting the Pioneers in the second half before Nicole Kuchinski’s saves preserved the tie.

Football ‘Cats tumble to Fairmont State, 45-10

Fairmont State routed West Virginia Wesleyan 45–10 as Nino Marzullo connected on multiple touchdown passes and the Falcons led 35–0 at halftime before Wesleyan scored late.
WVWC Volleyball

Wesleyan volleyball knocks off West Virginia State, 3-1

West Virginia Wesleyan defeated West Virginia State 3-1, paced by balanced offense with four players recording double-digit kills and Emily Denison’s 11 kills and 11 digs, improving to 11–5 (3–1 MEC).