(1) preserve the jobs of employees and the work force of an employer during periods of lowered economic activity by reduction in work hours or workdays rather than by a layoff of some employees while other employees continue their normal weekly work hours or workdays; and

(2) ameliorate the adverse effect of reduction in business activity by providing benefits for the part of the normal weekly work hours or workdays in which an employee does not work.

(b) The work sharing unemployment insurance program is not intended to subsidize:

(1) normal or expected fluctuations in economic activity that are an inherent part of an industry or occupation; or

(2) an employer’s usual operation on a long-term basis.