Governor Brian Kemp and Georgia Labor Commissioner Mark Butler are teaming up to address an increase in the number of partial claims filed as a result of businesses reducing work hours or temporarily closing because of COVID-19. According to officials, unemployment claims in Georgia have increased sharply amid the COVID-19 outbreak.
“We are laser-focused on assisting the hardworking Georgians who have been impacted by the spread of the virus,” said Gov. Brian Kemp. “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.”
In response to the recent development of COVID-19, Commissioner Butler said the Department of Labor (GDOL) is temporarily suspending in-person requirements for services provided by the agency. This, he said, is a result of the unprecedented volume, adding that the process will allow for faster benefits approval. GDOL is providing online access to unemployment services, partial claim access for employers, and other reemployment services. Butler said that while GDOL’s Career Centers have been closed to walk-ins, anyone needing assistance can call the centers.
Butler recently made an emergency ruling that requires Georgia employers to file partial claims for employees who were laid off because of the health crisis. The partial claims allow employees to receive unemployment benefits payments faster, Butler said, adding that claims that are filed electronically can be processed within 48 hours.
“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 was quoted as saying. “We are working as an agency to provide innovative solutions to meet the needs of our customers, even when information is changing every day.”
Butler said in a report earlier this week there were certain areas that were experiencing job growth — including healthcare, logistics and some retail (especially grocery stores).
