Ag employers have new tool to reduce unemployment costs - May 18, 2006

06-039

Media contact: Bill Tarrow, 360-902-9376

Audio: http://fortress.wa.gov/esd/portal/info/newsroom/audio

YAKIMA –Agricultural employers in Yakima County can lower their unemployment insurance taxes and get claimants back to work faster through a new service being piloted by the Employment Security Department. 

Now, an agricultural employer who lists a job order with WorkSource can review the list of workers who are drawing unemployment benefits against that employer’s account and can identify individuals who he’s interested in rehiring.  WorkSource staff will then contact the selected claimants and provide job-referral instructions.

“This new tool has the power to help both businesses and workers as we try to move Washington forward in global competitiveness,” said Karen Lee, commissioner of Employment Security.  “The businesses gain access to a pool of experienced agricultural workers, and the workers get back to work faster – in jobs that pay better than unemployment.”  

In addition, the unemployed workers have previously completed the I-9 process to demonstrate legal residency and have undergone a Social Security cross-match as part of qualifying for unemployment benefits. 

Lee added that reducing the amount of time workers draw unemployment benefits should reduce the demand on the unemployment-insurance trust fund.

Claimants who refuse a job referral or a job offer risk losing their unemployment benefits.  Currently, about 500 agricultural workers are claiming benefits in Yakima County.  

The new service is being piloted for 10 months in Yakima County.  If successful, it will be made available statewide to all businesses. 

WorkSource is a partnership of business, government agencies, colleges and non-profits that offer career services for job seekers and business. 

Agricultural employers in Yakima County who are interested in the new service should contact Kris Cook at (509) 574-0129 or kcook@esd.wa.gov.