Would a shutdown equal layoffs for contractors?

Most contractors expect to keep working during a government shutdown, but nearly a quarter believe there will be layoffs.

With the government at risk of shutting down March 4, contractors are busy making preparations to support customers and employees who may not be able to work.

In an online survey, we asked what companies would be doing if the government shuts down. The choices were: keep working, lay off staff, send staff for training, and move staff to other projects.

The overwhelming answer – 56 percent – was to keep working, but 23 percent of respondents said they expected layoffs.

Fifteen percent said they would move staff to other projects, but only 4 percent said they would send staff for more training.

More than 100 readers have taken the survey so far. Click here to take the survey.

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