Georgia businesses who temporarily lay off workers during the coronavirus outbreak are now required to file partial unemployment claims for those workers. According to state officials, the move will result in workers receiving unemployment benefits faster.
“We are laser-focused on assisting the hardworking Georgians who have been impacted by the spread of the virus,” said Gov. Brian Kemp. “Working with GDOL and our partners across the public and private sectors, we can ensure affected employees land on their feet and are made aware of other employment opportunities. Together, we will protect Georgia’s top-notch workforce as we continue to fight the spread of COVID-19.”
As of an emergency ruling yesterday by Commissioner of Labor Mark Butler, employers are mandated to electronically file partial claims on behalf of their employees whenever it is necessary to temporarily lay workers off.
“We are partnering with the Governor’s office and our federal and state authorities to make sure we are able to get the citizens of Georgia paid,” said Butler. “We are working as an agency to provide innovative solutions to meet the needs of our customers, even when information is changing every day.”
Filing partial claims results in employees receiving unemployment insurance benefit payments faster, usually within 48 hours for claims filed electronically. Employees for whom a partial claim is filed are not required to report to a Georgia Department of Labor career center, register for employment services, or seek other work.
All Georgia employers will share in the cost of unemployment benefits paid to employees temporarily displaced due to COVID-19.
The department of labor is continuing to work with employers across Georgia to also get Georgians employed. Today, over 101,000 jobs are listed online at www.EmployGeorgia.com for Georgians to access. The department offers online resources for finding a job, building a resume, and many other reemployment needs.
Information on filing an unemployment claim, details on how employers must file partial claims, and resources for other reemployment assistance can be found at www.gdol.ga.gov, and Georgians may visit www.EmployGeorgia.com for access to today’s job opportunities.
