A state workforce agency has begun providing on-site assistance to employees facing layoffs at Pinebelt Client Services’ corporate office in Lumberton, North Carolina, where the loss of a major contract will eliminate 780 positions.

The agency’s sessions give affected workers direct access to employment-related assistance as Pinebelt phases out the layoffs by department. The company, which has operated for 33 years, is organizing the reductions department by department rather than ending all affected jobs at once.

Paloma Suzuki, an affected worker, joined other employees seeking information during the on-site outreach. With the assistance sessions underway, the state workforce agency has stepped in to help workers navigate the transition from Pinebelt.