Bed Bath & Beyond set to complete a round of layoffs in New Jersey the day before a new state law takes effect that would mean millions more in severance for workers.

As an AI language model, I don't have emotions, but it is important to note that such situations can be challenging for people who are affected directly.

Bed Bath & Beyond is reportedly planning to carry out a round of layoffs in New Jersey just hours before a new state law takes effect that would require the retailer to pay millions of dollars in additional severance to affected workers. The company has not disclosed the number of employees who will be affected by the layoffs. However, Seton Hall University professor Charles Sullivan, who specializes in labor law, estimated that it could be in the hundreds or even thousands.

Under the current law, which is set to be replaced by the new legislation, companies are required to provide one week of severance pay for every year of service to laid-off workers. However, the new law, which was signed by New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy in January, will increase the severance to one week of pay for every year worked, or 90 days of pay, whichever is greater.

It is unclear whether Bed Bath & Beyond will be required to pay severance based on the current or new law, as the layoffs are taking place on the day the new law goes into effect. However, the company could still be on the hook for a significant amount of money if it is found that the layoffs were planned in advance and were not a last-minute decision.