JCPenney joined the growing list of major retail chains that are furloughing employees as stores remain closed amid the COVID-10 crisis.
The department store giant said it is extending the temporary closure of its stores and business offices due to the pandemic and, as a result, will temporarily furlough the majority of store hourly associates, beginning April 2.
Also, beginning April 5, a “significant portion” of employees in JCPenney’s home office, in Salt Lake City, and its SoHo design offices will be furloughed, along with its store salaried associates. Many of JCPenney’s associates in supply chain and logistics centers were previously furloughed on March 20, and those furloughs will continue.
All furloughed associates who are currently enrolled in the retailer’s benefits program will continue to receive full health benefits and the company plans to cover 100% of employee-paid premiums for the duration of the furlough. Many impacted associates are also eligible to receive state unemployment benefits, which were recently increased with the passage of the federal stimulus bill… Chain Store Age