OPM PROVIDES FURTHER CLARIFICATION ON RIF RULES

Washington, D.C. -- The U.S. Office of Personnel Management is issuing interim reduction in force (RIF) regulations to clarify the government's present "retreating" policy. This policy refers to the retention rights of employees who lose their jobs and are in line to move to other positions during a RIF.

The interim regulations do not alter any of the basic factors which determine employees' retention rights based on tenure, veterans' preference, performance ratings and seniority.

The regulations clarify OPM's present policy on:

• employees' movement rights to reclaim (i.e. "retreat") into a position which is essentially identical to one previously held,
  
• identifying the reasons for a reduction in force in the specific written notice agencies must give to each employee before effecting a RIF action, and
  
• when an agency may issue a Certification of Expected Separation.

OPM Director Jim King said, "The interim rules provide agency personnelists and employees with concrete examples which will eliminate confusion during a RIF."

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