U.S. Congressman Chuck Edwards (NC-11) today introduced the Unemployment Integrity (UI) Act to reform unemployment benefits and promote Americans getting back to work by including interview requirements for those seeking unemployment insurance (UI) benefits.
This legislation would require states to establish the following minimum interview requirements for UI claimants:
- Respond to, schedule and attend an offered interview at an agreed-upon time.
- Complete any other reasonable request as part of the hiring process (e.g., drug testing, skills assessments).
“Throughout Western North Carolina, I’ve heard from multiple business owners about the challenges of hiring new staff. Employers offer competitive wages and benefits, receive plenty of applications and schedule interviews, but many applicants never show up to interview for the job, yet still draw unemployment benefits. These no-show interviews are draining small businesses of valuable resources when they’re already stretched incredibly thin,” said Congressman Edwards.
“To improve accountability and prevent abuse of the unemployment-benefit system, I introduced the Unemployment Integrity Act, which will require states to establish an interview requirement for anyone seeking UI benefits. This bill will empower workers, businesses and consumers by helping folks get back to work and contribute to our nation.”
The UI Act further instructs states to give employers an avenue to voluntarily report UI claimants who are violating work-search or interview requirements. The Department of Labor (DOL) must also conduct a study on the effects of increasing the minimum number of audits for federal unemployment compensation and adopt an increase in the total number of audits if the study shows it will improve states’ administration of unemployment benefits.
"Thank you, Congressman Edwards, for introducing the Unemployment Integrity Act legislation which will benefit small-business owners by curbing unemployment fraud. Your efforts on our behalf are much appreciated," said Nathaniel E. Cannady, president, Council of Independent Business Owners.
“The NC Chamber supports this policy to protect the integrity and solvency of our unemployment insurance (UI) system,” said Jake Cashion, vice president of government affairs, NC Chamber. “This bill would improve connections between unemployed workers and employers with job openings by assuring that unemployed workers are available for work and respond to job openings and interview opportunities. Congressman Edwards was one of the business leaders who helped us champion reforms in North Carolina a decade ago, and we appreciate his continued leadership on the issue.”
Stephanie Ferguson, director, Global Employment Policy & Special Initiatives, U.S. Chamber of Commerce said, “The U.S. Chamber of Commerce supports reforms to the unemployment insurance (UI) system that will improve the program for businesses and workers alike. The Chamber applauds Congressman Edwards for introducing the Unemployment Integrity Act and working to strengthen work search requirements and UI program integrity.”
Background
- Unemployment reforms in 2012 established nationwide work-search requirements.
- DOL estimates at least $163 billion in unemployment fraud since 2020.
- Fraud during the COVID-19 pandemic highlighted a gap in the unemployment benefits system, where claimants are required to search for and accept work, but have no obligation to attend an interview when offered – the single most important part of a job search.
