STAFF REPORT :::
Governor Brian Kemp and the Georgia Department of Labor (GDoL) are addressing an increase in the number of partial claims filed as a result of businesses reducing work hours or temporarily closing their doors in light of recent developments regarding COVID-19.
“We are laser-focused on assisting the hardworking Georgians who have been impacted by the spread of the virus,” Kemp said. “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.”
An emergency ruling made Tuesday by Georgia Labor Commissioner Mark Butler requires employers to electronically file partial claims on behalf of employees whenever it is necessary to temporarily lay off workers.
“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,” Butler said. “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 (UI) 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 GDoL 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 employees across Georgia to also get Georgians employed. Today, more than 101,000 jobs are listed online at www.EmployGeorgia.com for Georgians to access. The Department of Labor also offers online resources for finding a job, building a resume and many other re-employment needs.
“Our agency specializes in not only providing unemployment support for those out of work, even if temporarily, but also giving Georgians every opportunity to find work and reenter the workforce,” Butler said.
Additional 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.
