WARN notices and layoff law in Delaware
The federal WARN Act gives most workers at companies with 100 or more employees 60 days' written notice before a mass layoff. Delaware adds its own protection: Delaware has its own state WARN Act (effective Jan. 7, 2019) covering employers with 100+ employees working an aggregate of 2,000+ hours/week, requiring 60 days' notice for a mass layoff, plant closing, or relocation affecting 50+ workers. Delaware does not post a public WARN list online; its agency WARN page is at joblink.delaware.gov.
Delaware layoff notice, at a glance
Federal WARN
100+ employees, 60 days' written notice
Delaware state law
Yes, stricter than federal (see below)
Public notice list
Not published online
If notice is skipped
Back pay + benefits for the missing days, up to 60
Delaware has its own state WARN Act (effective Jan. 7, 2019) covering employers with 100+ employees working an aggregate of 2,000+ hours/week, requiring 60 days' notice for a mass layoff, plant closing, or relocation affecting 50+ workers.
If your employer skipped required WARN notice, you may be owed back pay and benefits for the missing days, up to 60. There are narrow exceptions (genuinely unforeseen circumstances, disasters), and most layoffs don't qualify.
This is general information, not legal advice. If you think you were owed notice, an employment attorney can tell you whether you have a claim, often with a free first consultation.
Delaware WARN FAQ
How much notice must an employer give before a layoff in Delaware?
The federal WARN Act requires employers with 100 or more employees to give 60 calendar days' written notice before a mass layoff or plant closing. Delaware also has its own law: Delaware has its own state WARN Act (effective Jan. 7, 2019) covering employers with 100+ employees working an aggregate of 2,000+ hours/week, requiring 60 days' notice for a mass layoff, plant closing, or relocation affecting 50+ workers. If they skip required notice, they can owe back pay and benefits for the missing days.
Does Delaware publish a public WARN list?
Delaware does not post a public WARN list online. The state agency's WARN page is at joblink.delaware.gov, and notices can often be requested from the agency.
Does Delaware have its own layoff-notice law beyond federal WARN?
Yes. Delaware has its own state WARN Act (effective Jan. 7, 2019) covering employers with 100+ employees working an aggregate of 2,000+ hours/week, requiring 60 days' notice for a mass layoff, plant closing, or relocation affecting 50+ workers. This is general information, not legal advice; if you think you were owed notice, confirm the details with the state or an employment attorney.
Keep going
The full WARN guide
How the 60-day rule works, who's covered, and what you're owed if it's violated.
File for unemployment in Delaware
The official Delaware portal, the waiting week, and what to have ready.
WARN in another state
The official notice list and layoff law for every other state.
Reviewed June 2026. WARN rules and state laws change; confirm the current details on the official Delaware site (joblink.delaware.gov) or with an employment attorney before relying on them.