Company in Sterling lays off 217 employees due to lost government contract

Loudoun County officials are closely monitoring the impact of federal government actions on local employment, following a WARN notice that announced the permanent termination of 217 employees from a Sterling-based government contract company. The layoffs, effective May 1, are a direct result of the company losing a federal contract, marking the first WARN notice linked to federal actions in the area.

During a recent Finance/Government Operations and Economic Development Committee meeting, officials discussed the implications of this job loss, emphasizing their commitment to supporting affected workers. They have already engaged with the company to assist employees in finding new job opportunities through various programs, including the NOVA Next initiative and regional job fairs.

The unemployment rate in Loudoun County has seen a slight increase, rising to 3.1%, up from 2.7% the previous month. This uptick is significant for a region that typically enjoys low unemployment rates. Approximately 61,000 individuals, or 24% of the local labor force, are employed in federal or federally funded positions, highlighting the potential vulnerability of the local economy to federal contract fluctuations.

Officials reassured the community that they are actively tracking employment trends and are prepared to respond to any further job losses. The situation underscores the importance of business retention strategies and workforce assistance programs in maintaining economic stability in Loudoun County.