Governor Bev Perdue announced Tuesday that the state will implement furloughs for state employees.

All teachers’ and state employees’ pay will be cut by an annualized amount of 0.5 percent until the end of the year.

In return, employees will be given 10 hours of “flex time” that can be taken between June 1 and December 31.

According to the Governor’s Office, when an employee takes their time off, their pay will not be deducted further beyond the 0.5 percent taken this fiscal year.

Appalachian State University’s Chancellor, Dr. Kenneth Peacock was unavailable for comment.  The chancellor is out of town on business.