In light of federal layoffs, New Mexico Economic Development Secretary Rob Black, Workforce Solutions Secretary Sarita Nair, and State Personnel Director Dylan Lange have been urging those affected to apply for unemployment benefits and job placement services. Both Black and Nair emphasized the opportunities available to displaced federal workers through the state’s Job Incentive Training Program.

Reports have circulated of both U.S. Forest Service and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service employees, amongst others, being terminated from their positions. However, the total numbers of layoffs remain uncertain. Nair highlighted the unsettling uncertainty that the layoffs have brought about within New Mexico’s working community of about 30,000 federal employees. She also noted that the layoffs may provide an opportunity for state agencies to hire talent that they previously could not attract due to competition with federal agencies.

The Department of Workforce Solutions has planned a series of job fairs throughout the state. These events will provide attendees with the opportunity to connect with a diverse range of potential employers. Despite the upheaval, Lange has promised personalized attention for laid-off federal workers possessing skills that state agencies can utilize.

Federal workers who have been laid off are encouraged to apply for unemployment insurance online or over the phone. They can also use any of the America’s Job Centers in New Mexico, which are operated by the state Department of Workforce Solutions, for assistance. As much as the federal layoffs have disrupted lives, New Mexico is taking proactive measures to aid affected employees during this transition.

When facing unemployment, it’s essential to understand how to contact relevant support and claims services. For California residents specifically, understanding how to get in touch with agencies such as the Employment Development Department (EDD) becomes vital. Navigating unemployment claims can often be tricky and frustrating, particularly when trying to reach a live customer service representative. Websites such as eddcaller.com provide useful information about the most effective times to call and tips on how to get through to a human operator at the EDD, making the process a little less overwhelming.