More than 240,000 jobs available across the state
NASHVILLE – Gov. Bill Lee and Labor and Workforce Development Commissioner Jeff McCord today announced a new campaign, “Let’s Get to Work Tennessee,” to help Tennesseans find and obtain meaningful employment. As COVID-19 has caused significant disruptions to employment and the economy across the state, and with federal unemployment programs expiring soon, the new campaign encourages Tennesseans to join the workforce and secure one of the thousands of jobs currently available. The ad is airing across the state on broadcast TV, cable, radio, outdoor and digital media.
“We have said since the beginning of the pandemic that COVID-19 has caused an economic crisis as well as a health crisis,” said Lee. “As we enter the new year, and federal unemployment benefits expire, we want to encourage Tennesseans to seek employment through one of the many opportunities across the state and get our economy moving again.”
Jobs4TN.gov currently has more than 240,000 active job postings of all skill levels. Tennessee has an integrated unemployment and workforce development system ready to assist Tennesseans in finding employment. With the expiration of federal unemployment programs quickly approaching, the state encourages claimants to continue searching for work so they can secure employment before their benefits end.
Lee also signed Executive Order 69 today which reconstitutes the State Workforce Development Board. The Board works to increase the competitive position of Tennessee business and attract new business through the development of a highly skilled workforce.
View the ads here: https://youtu.be/_Rk-T5Bj3xI and https://youtu.be/ruxfOgKmzBg
Federal Benefits Ending Soon
Weekly unemployment payments Tennesseans receive through programs funded by the CARES Act will end soon. The last day to claim benefits through two federal programs is Dec. 26, 2020. According to federal program rules for Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA), payments will stop before that date if a claimant reaches their maximum of 39 weeks of benefits.
If someone started receiving PUA the week ending March 15, 2020, Saturday, Dec. 12, marks their 39th week in the program. Current federal law will not allow them to certify for benefits after that date.
The federal Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation (PEUC) program provides eligible claimants up to 13 weeks of additional benefits. This program also ends Dec. 26.
If the Department of Labor and Workforce Development determines the eligibility of a claim after Dec. 26, if approved, the claimant will retroactively receive applicable payments for all weeks with a completed certification through the program’s ending date.
To find additional information regarding available jobs in Tennessee, visit Jobs4TN.gov.