As layoffs become increasingly common, some employers are offering more than the traditional severance package of salary and subsidized health care. Employers who are part of WorkforceChicago 2.0, a regional business coalition created to help develop the area's talent pool, offer education and training benefits to laid-off workers. The purpose of these additional benefits is to provide greater career development opportunities.
See "Training benefits give laid-off workers options", Melita Marie Garza, Chicago Tribune, June 1, 2004