Some Tennesseans receiving unemployment benefits required to search for work this week

In this photo taken Thursday, June 4, 2020, a pedestrian wearing a mask walks past reader board advertising a job opening for a remodeling company, in Seattle. The U.S. unemployment rate fell to 13.3% in May, and 2.5 million jobs were added — a surprisingly positive reading in the midst of a recession that has paralyzed the economy and depressed the job market in the wake of the viral pandemic. (AP Photo/Elaine Thompson)

by: WREG Staff

Posted: Sep 28, 2020 / 08:30 AM CDT

Updated: Sep 28, 2020 / 07:26 AM CDT

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NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Starting this week, some people on unemployment in Tennessee will be required to search for work as part of the Reemploy Tennessee initiative.

People receiving unemployment benefits will need to make at least three potential job contacts between now and Saturday. They’ll also need to report those work search activities during the following week.

The requirement had been waived due to the pandemic but resumed on Sunday.

Out of Work: Not Job Attached: Claimants who are out of work and do not have a job to return to, or a return-to-work date, are required to complete weekly work searches.

Self-employed: Work search activities for self-employed individuals can include calling on clients, advertising business services, posting business-related social media content, enhancing the business’s website, submitting bids or proposals, applying for contract or gig work, or attending training. Self-employed claimants need to continue taking proactive steps to reopen their businesses. If they do not plan to reopen their business, they must complete traditional work searches.

Out of Work: Job Attached: Claimants who are temporarily laid off or furloughed, and have a return-to-work date, are not required to complete weekly job searches.

Union Workers: Claimants, who are union workers, and attained employment through their union hiring hall, are not required to complete weekly job searches.

COVID-19: Claimants who are out of work due to one of the COVID-19 reasons listed in the CARES Act may be exempt from performing job searches. They must self-certify they are unable to look for work due to one of the approved COVID-19 designations butare otherwise able and available.

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