Tenn. Department of Human Services lays off more than 100 employees, more job cuts on the way
This video is no longer available.
JACKSON, Tenn. — More than 100 Tennessee Department of Human Services employees across the state lost their jobs last Friday, and more layoffs could be on the way. According to the Department of Human Services, they terminated these employees last Friday as a way to restructure of how benefits are distributed. These benefits include food stamps and programs to get struggling families back on their feet. With all of these changes, West Tennesseans are worried they won’t get the services they need. “It’s already slow and hard to get benefits here in Jackson,” Erika Glenn who receives DHS benefits said. “I feel like the less people they have working it’s going to make it even more difficult for people like me and other people who are using the benefits.” According to the Department of Human Services, 121 employees across the state lost their jobs. The layoffs will directly impact family assistance programs, which many here in West Tennessee depend on. “I need them right now. I’ve got grandchildren and different ones,” Ginnetha Crite said who uses Tennessee family assistance. “I mean it’s bad that it has to effect them like that.” Many are worried these layoffs will increase wait-times. A few people we spoke with outside of the Madison County DHS center said the office was so crowded there wasn’t even a pace for them to sit. “It’s too busy to be sitting there waiting for an hour, to just to pull a number and wait for them to call,” Crite said. “They don’t have anybody in there. So it’s only like two or three people taking clients in and out.” DHS claims they have a plan to make receiving benefits easier and more efficient for these Tennessee families. Erica Glenn is not convinced. “I really feel like the restructuring of the benefits program is just a really big excuse,” Glenn said. “That’s not the real reason why they’re laying people off.” All terminated employees had less than 12 months on the job and according to DHS, will receive 10 days of severance pay. There is still no word on just how many positions were eliminated specifically in West Tennessee. We do know this reduction has an impact in 46 out of 95 counties in the state.
