Wisconsin’s unemployed workers will soon have to sign up for help finding a job, if they want to receive benefits from the state.
Beginning October 13th, those signing up for Unemployment Insurance in the state will have to register with the Job Center of Wisconsin. Department of Workforce Development Deputy Secretary Jonathan Barry says the system will allow those workers to upload resumes and build a work history, which will in turn help to match them up with available jobs that they may be qualified for.
AUDIO: DWD Deputy Secretary Jonathan Barry (:18)
Barry says the registration is already required under federal law, but Wisconsin has not enforced the rule since the mid-1990s. The requirement is being restored after upgrades were made to DWD software, and because of new job search requirements included under the recently enacted state budget.
Assistance will be available at job centers across the state and for individuals who have limited access to an internet connection. Unemployment Insurance benefits will be withheld for those who fail to sign up within two weeks of filing a UI claim.
