With Ohio's unemployment rate standing at 9.7 percent in March, the Ohio Department of Commerce’s Division of Securities and the Ohio Department of Job & Family Services are offering the publication to help Ohioans facing a plant closing or layoff.

The publication, which was prepared by the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, provides tips on how dislocated workers can:

• Take control of their finances and available financial resources
• Use all available employment services
• Protect themselves against financial fraud

Director of Commerce Kimberly Zurz encourages Ohioans to be alert to predators that target dislocated workers following media coverage of a major layoff. “These workers should be especially skeptical of offers to help them manage their finances in hopes of gaining control of their 401(k) funds or their severance package,” Director Zurz said.

“Workers cannot control if or when their company closes a plant or lays off workers. The Ohio Department of Job and Family Services strengthens Ohio’s families through the delivery of integrated solutions to temporary challenges. This booklet provides practical information to help hard working Ohioans manage the financial impact of a layoff or job loss,” said ODJFS Director Doug Lumpkin.

To view the booklet online, click here.