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Tony Evers, Governor
Amy Pechacek, Secretary-designee

Department of Workforce Development
Secretary's Office
201 E. Washington Avenue
P.O. Box 7946
Madison, WI 53707-7946
Telephone: (608) 266-3131
Fax: (608) 266-1784
Email: sec@dwd.wisconsin.gov

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Wednesday, July 1, 2021
CONTACT: DWD Communications, 608-266-2722
CommunicationsOffice@dwd.wisconsin.gov

UI Program Supports Employers Ramp Up Hiring, Encourages Job Seekers to Accept Part-Time Work

MADISON - As businesses ramp back up their operations, the Department of Workforce Development is highlighting how the Unemployment Insurance (UI) program can support employers and their returning workers.

"After a year of economic uncertainty, we understand that some employers may not yet be in a financial position to rehire all of their past employees at full capacity, but that they also need their skilled workers back if they are going to meet increased demand," Secretary-designee Amy Pechacek said. "Similarly, we know many unemployed job-seekers are ready and willing to get back to work but may have limited full-time opportunities in their community. Wisconsin's UI system can support them both during this period of economic recovery."

The Work-Share program, which was used by many employers to minimize layoffs during the pandemic, can also be used to help employers rehire their already laid-off workers. If an employer brings a laid-off employee back part-time and participates in the Work-Share program, that worker will receive pro-rated UI benefits to help cover reduced compensation for not working full time, as well as the $300 weekly supplement. The weekly supplement program ends the week ending September 4, 2021. Any Work-Share benefits, as well as the federal supplement, are fully federally funded through the week ending September 4, 2021so there is no cost to employers.

More information about how employers can develop a Work Share plan is available on DWD's website.

If an unemployed job-seeker is not able to return to their previous employer or return part-time for their previous employer or new employer, they may still be able to receive partial UI benefits, along with the $300 supplement. The weekly supplement program ends the week ending September 4, 2021. The UI program allows UI recipients to take a part-time job and still receive some UI benefits. More information on how workers may access partial unemployment benefits is available on DWD's website.

"DWD encourages employers to hire and job seekers to work at their greatest potential," Pechacek said. "The UI program is available to support all of them bounce back even better than before the pandemic."