HHS Increases Buyout Offer, With Some Workers Offered Paid Leave

The US Department of Health and Human Services increased its voluntary buyout offer for some employees for further layoffs this week as the agency faces pressure to reduce headcount, according to an email viewed by Bloomberg.

In addition to a $25,000 lump-sum buyout offer, some HHS workers would also receive around two months of paid administrative leave if they chose to accept the buyout.

The more generous offer comes as agencies were directed in an executive order to submit plans for further layoffs by March 13, which is the day before a government funding deadline. HHS has laid off thousands ...