LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — A new state program that goes into effect this fall will give Nebraska businesses an alternative to layoffs when economic times are tight.

The short-time compensation program will extend partial unemployment benefits to groups of people who are still working, but whose hours have been trimmed by cost-saving employers.

The program goes into effect on Oct. 1. It won’t replace workers’ lost wages dollar for dollar, but allows them to keep at least part of their regular paychecks and avoid having to search for another job.

Companies are also required to maintain their employees’ retirement and health insurance benefits.

The program is modeled after similar short-time compensation programs in at least 21 other states.