OKLAHOMA – The Oklahoma Employment Security Commission (OESC) reports increases in initial and continued unemployment claims, with the initial claims’ four-week moving average increasing while the continued claims’ four-week moving average declined. The agency also reports that it updated the eligibility for the $1,200 Return-to-Work Incentive the governor announced in May.
“The agency is continuing to focus on providing benefits to those in need, while also focusing on connecting job seekers with employment opportunities through our reemployment services and upcoming career fairs,” said Shelley Zumwalt, OESC Executive Director. “We are hopeful that as federal unemployment benefits come to an end this month, we will begin to see decreases in the state’s unemployment numbers.”
OESC has updated the eligibility requirements for the $1,200 Return-to-Work Incentive. Now, the eligibility requirements have been extended to those who work two part-time jobs that equal 32 hours or more with an Oklahoma employer for six consecutive weeks. Previously, only claimants who worked a full-time job of 32 hours a week or more qualified.
“We made this change to ensure that we can accommodate as many individuals as possible as they rejoin the workforce,” said Zumwalt. “Claimants will have more opportunities to connect with potential employers at our upcoming career fairs on June 23 and June 25 where employers are looking to fill both full-time and part-time positions. I encourage any claimant in the Tulsa and Oklahoma City areas to attend these in-person career fairs.”
OESC is also hosting a virtual career fair through the end of June to allow Oklahomans from across the state access to employment opportunities. The agency’s Tulsa career fair will be held at the Tulsa Expo Square - River Spirit Expo on June 23 and the Oklahoma City career fair will be held at the Oklahoma City Convention Center on June 25. Although not required, individuals can pre-register to attend the events at http://regpack.com/reg/oesc2 1. Employers can register at http://regpack.com/reg/oesc