Topeka ? Gov. Sam Brownback has signed into law a measure that continues a program that allows employers to reduce employees’ work hours to avoid layoffs, and then those employees could receive partial unemployment benefits.

Brownback said the law gives employers the flexibility to retain employees during fluctuations in business.

The employee’s reduced salary is supplemented by a pro rata share of regular unemployment benefits keeping them “whole” and preserving jobs for the employees, Brownback said.

“I am pleased to sign this bill and ensure our employers have the flexibility to keep good workers in hard economic times,” said Brownback. “It helps protect Kansas workers by keeping them in the workforce.”

Participation in the plan is voluntary and employers must meet certain requirements and have their plan approved by the Kansas Department of Labor. The bill ensures Kansas’ existing shared work program conforms to new federal requirements. Without this bill the shared work program would have ended on Aug. 23, officials said.

The measure passed without opposition in the Legislature.