A year after the New York State Department of Labor began promoting the Shared Work program, leaders say the program is working.

Labor leaders say Shared Work saved 11,000 jobs last year and 2,300 companies are now taking part.

The program gives employers alternatives to layoffs, such as reducing employee hours and having workers collect partial unemployment benefits.

The labor department said companies get to keep those employees in leaner times and can let them come back to full-time hours when business picks up.

Leaders hope more companies in need will take part in the program. Companies interested in the Shared Work program can apply by clicking the link below.

Shared Work program