WARN notices and layoff law in Tennessee
The federal WARN Act gives most workers at companies with 100 or more employees 60 days' written notice before a mass layoff. Tennessee adds its own protection: Tennessee's Plant Closing and Reduction in Operations Act (T.C.A. 50-1-601 et seq.) covers employers with 50 to 99 employees, requiring notice for a reduction of 50+ employees, filling the gap below the federal WARN Act's 100-employee threshold. You can see mass layoffs reported in Tennessee on the state's official WARN list at www.tn.gov.
Tennessee layoff notice, at a glance
Federal WARN
100+ employees, 60 days' written notice
Tennessee state law
Yes, stricter than federal (see below)
Public notice list
Yes, at www.tn.gov
If notice is skipped
Back pay + benefits for the missing days, up to 60
Tennessee's Plant Closing and Reduction in Operations Act (T.C.A. 50-1-601 et seq.) covers employers with 50 to 99 employees, requiring notice for a reduction of 50+ employees, filling the gap below the federal WARN Act's 100-employee threshold.
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.
Tennessee WARN FAQ
How much notice must an employer give before a layoff in Tennessee?
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. Tennessee also has its own law: Tennessee's Plant Closing and Reduction in Operations Act (T.C.A. 50-1-601 et seq.) covers employers with 50 to 99 employees, requiring notice for a reduction of 50+ employees, filling the gap below the federal WARN Act's 100-employee threshold. If they skip required notice, they can owe back pay and benefits for the missing days.
Where can I see WARN notices filed in Tennessee?
Tennessee publishes filed WARN notices on its official state workforce site at www.tn.gov. It lists employers, locations, and dates of reported mass layoffs and closings.
Does Tennessee have its own layoff-notice law beyond federal WARN?
Yes. Tennessee's Plant Closing and Reduction in Operations Act (T.C.A. 50-1-601 et seq.) covers employers with 50 to 99 employees, requiring notice for a reduction of 50+ employees, filling the gap below the federal WARN Act's 100-employee threshold. 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 Tennessee
The official Tennessee 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 Tennessee site (www.tn.gov) or with an employment attorney before relying on them.