CONCORD - Gov. John Lynch today the state’s Rapid Response Team will deploy to assist 36 workers who were suddenly laid off on Thursday from Rivco in Penacook. The company remains open at this time.

“I am deeply disappointed that any company would take such action at Christmas and put workers and their families in such a difficult position. Businesses should do everything to give workers notice and time to plan for their futures,” Gov. Lynch said. “New Hampshire state government is committed to helping these workers and their families through this difficult time and assist them in getting into employment quickly.”

Rivco is partnering with the state to provide Rapid Response Assistance to the workers.

Rivco’s action is not subject to the Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification (WARN) Act, a federal law that mandates companies provide 60 days notice, or severance pay, to employees. The WARN Act applies to closings or layoffs of 100 or more employees.

The state’s Rapid Response team will be individually contacting the workers who were laid off. Assistance can include resume writing and job counseling, to retraining. The Rapid Response team includes representatives of the state departments of Employment Security, Labor, Resources and Economic Development, Health and Human Services, the New Hampshire Community College System and NHWorks.