Dr. Chhoda explores guidelines from the Department of Labor about ‘suitable employment’ and provides claimants with some options if they believe that a job offer does not meet the criteria for ‘suitable employment’. Please note that every state is different and you need to check with your state or consult with experts regarding your specific situation. We also examine some guidelines from the state of Michigan about ‘good cause to refuse suitable work’. Every state has it’s own guidelines.

QUESTION
What can the claimant do if he or she believes a job offer is not for suitable employment?

ANSWER
If a state raises an issue of failure to accept suitable employment, the state unemployment insurance agency must provide the claimant with an opportunity to provide his or her side of the story and to rebut any evidence provided to the state before making a final determination.

Most state laws allow for refusal of suitable employment for good cause, which is defined in state law. Criteria for good cause may include, but are not limited to, the degree of risk to an individual’s health, safety, and morals; the individual’s physical fitness, prior training, experience, and earnings; the length of unemployment and prospects for securing local work in a customary occupation; and the distance of the available work from the individual’s residence.

Claimants may file an appeal if they disagree with a state’s determination regarding suitable work. Please contact your state unemployment insurance agency for additional information.

TABLE OF CONTENTS
0:00 What to Do if the Job Offer is not for Suitable Employment
2:10 Defining ‘Good Cause’
4:52 Examples on Where Employment is not Suitable
8:00 Refusal to Work and How to Protest it