HHS Officially Rescinds Shutdown Layoffs

The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has officially rescinded layoffs issued during the recent government shutdown, restoring 954 employees, including many at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Staff were notified to return to work and will receive retroactive pay covering the shutdown period from October 1 to November 12.

The moves follow a federal court ruling that blocked the layoffs, which were challenged by multiple unions. Public health staff have expressed concern about workforce stability, noting that future funding gaps could again threaten critical positions, highlighting the ongoing importance of maintaining a resilient federal public health workforce. Read more from The Hill here.