WARN notices and layoff law in Illinois
The federal WARN Act covers employers with 100 or more full-time employees. It requires 60 calendar days' written notice before a plant closing that costs 50 or more full-time workers their jobs at one site, or a mass layoff at one site within 30 days of either 500 or more full-time workers, or 50 to 499 who make up at least a third of that site's workforce. Illinois adds its own protection: Illinois has its own Illinois WARN Act covering employers with 75+ full-time employees, requiring 60 days' notice for a plant closing or a mass layoff of 25+ workers (250+ if under 1/3 of the workforce). You can see mass layoffs reported in Illinois on the state's official WARN list at www.illinoisworknet.com.
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Illinois layoff notice, at a glance
Federal WARN
Employers of 100+; 60 days' notice before a plant closing (50+ jobs at a site) or a mass layoff (500+ at a site, or 50 to 499 who are at least a third of it)
Illinois state law
Yes, its own law on top of federal (see below)
Public notice list
Yes, at www.illinoisworknet.com
If notice is skipped
Back pay + benefits for the missing days, up to 60
Illinois has its own Illinois WARN Act covering employers with 75+ full-time employees, requiring 60 days' notice for a plant closing or a mass layoff of 25+ workers (250+ if under 1/3 of the workforce).
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.
Illinois WARN FAQ
How much notice must an employer give before a layoff in Illinois?
The federal WARN Act covers employers with 100 or more full-time employees. It requires 60 calendar days' written notice before a plant closing that costs 50 or more full-time workers their jobs at one site, or a mass layoff at one site within 30 days of either 500 or more full-time workers, or 50 to 499 who make up at least a third of that site's workforce. Illinois also has its own law: Illinois has its own Illinois WARN Act covering employers with 75+ full-time employees, requiring 60 days' notice for a plant closing or a mass layoff of 25+ workers (250+ if under 1/3 of the workforce). If an employer skips required notice, it can owe back pay and benefits for the missing days.
Where can I see WARN notices filed in Illinois?
Illinois publishes filed WARN notices on its official state workforce site at www.illinoisworknet.com. It lists employers, locations, and dates of reported mass layoffs and closings.
Does Illinois have its own layoff-notice law beyond federal WARN?
Yes. Illinois has its own Illinois WARN Act covering employers with 75+ full-time employees, requiring 60 days' notice for a plant closing or a mass layoff of 25+ workers (250+ if under 1/3 of the workforce). 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 Illinois
The official Illinois portal, the waiting week, and what to have ready.
Health coverage after a layoff in Illinois
Where to enroll in Illinois, your 60-day window, and the Medicaid rules.
WARN in another state
The official notice list and layoff law for every other state.
Reviewed September 2026, unchanged since September 2026. WARN rules and state laws change; confirm the current details on the official Illinois site (www.illinoisworknet.com) or with an employment attorney before relying on them.