Tips & info

Refusal of employment

May 2004

Offers of suitable work to qualified former employees receiving benefits is an excellent way of reducing unemployment benefit charges to your account. If the offer is accepted, you secure a qualified employee while terminating the claim. If the offer is refused, the claimant will be subject to a potential disqualification if the refusal is without good cause.

Guidelines for offers of employment:

  • Offer work only to claimants eligible for rehire.
  • Contact claimants directly or notify your local unemployment office if you have work available. Your dedicated claims manager can assist you with communication to state agencies.
  • Document details of job offer, i.e., hours pay, title duties, date of offer and, if applicable, reason(s) for refusal. Failure to appear for an interview should also be documented since this action may constitute a refusal of employment if bona fide suitable work is available.
  • Report agreed upon returns to work or documented job refusal to your claims management team immediately. The Team will communicate, if necessary with the appropriate state agency.

Note: Job offers outside of claimant's skill or recent experience are generally not disqualifying. Also, job offers may be refused with good cause in some cases, (e.g., if excessive travel is required or pay is significantly less than the prevailing wage for similar work in your locality.)