Knowledge base
Preparation for hearings
July 2006The best approach to controlling unemployment expenses and taxes is to respond fully and completely at the determination phase. However, even with best practices in place, you may have to attend hearings to fully protect your rights. Success at hearings, therefore, is an important ingredient in a comprehensive and successful program.
Every person getting ready to attend a hearing ought to make sure they understand the following:
- Person(s) selected to attend a hearing should have firsthand knowledge of the reason for separation and the facts leading to the separation. Hearsay testimony is generally not persuasive.
- Three copies of documentation (e.g., personnel file, records or statements) relevant to the separation are necessary for an in-person hearing. It is customary to provide copies for the hearing officer, claimant and your TALX representative. Procedures may vary according to state or for telephone hearings.
- Bring copies of relevant company rules and policies, including (if applicable) rules found in a collective bargaining agreement if the claimant is a union member. Also produce evidence that rules were received by the claimant, e.g., acknowledgments.
Hearings are not trials, so you donít have to observe all of the formalities of a courtroom. But hearings are legal proceedings where witnesses swear to tell the truth, witnesses can be cross-examined and documents can be entered into evidence.
To learn more about hearings and to learn some tips for success, take time to review TALX Learning Solutions on Hearings. If you donít have Learning Solutions, contact Paul Fountain at Pfountain@talx.com or 800-955-4351 ext.5 today to learn more.