A state program that tries to prevent layoffs by letting companies reduce workers to a four-day workweek while allowing them to recoup some of their wages through unemployment benefits has saved more than 1,900 jobs in portions of Western New York, the state Labor Department said Thursday.

The shared work program has helped 294 companies in five Western New York counties preserve 1,916 jobs this year, the Labor Department said.

“These are active, participating companies,” as of mid-September, said Michelle Duffy, a Labor Department spokeswoman in Albany.

The program gained popularity with businesses this year as the recession deepened, providing them a way to keep their work force intact while also reducing labor costs as their business has slumped. The program also allows workers to maintain their health insurance, retirement, vacation and other fringe benefits.

The number of companies participating in the program in Allegany, Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, Erie and Niagara counties has more than tripled this year, from 86 in 2008, when the shared work initiative was credited with protecting 1,116 jobs.

Statewide, the program is credited with protecting more than 10,500 jobs at 1,858 companies this year. Individuals can collect shared work benefits for up to 20 weeks.