Bill would let Michigan employers report job 'ghosting' and trigger rebuttable disqualification from UI benefits, sponsors say

Summary

At a House Committee hearing, supporters said House Bill 4516 would allow employers to report claimants who fail to show for scheduled interviews or work and create a rebuttable presumption of ineligibility; opponents argued the change would add administrative burden, risk wrongful disqualification and deter eligible claimants.

At a hearing of the House Committee on Economic Competitiveness, Representative Jason Wolford introduced House Bill 4516, saying the measure would amend the Michigan Employment Security Act to disqualify claimants who "ghost" employers — fail to appear for scheduled job interviews or fail to show for work after accepting a job — and to create a way for employers to report such incidents to the Unemployment Insurance Agency (UIA).

"Our unemployment insurance system is, not supported by state general funds. This is 100% employer funded system that should be focused on helping people get back to employment," Representative Jason Wolford said. "If a person ghost an employer, they will be disqualified from receiving UI benefits and allows the employer to report ghosting so that you and UIA can investigate the situation if necessary."

Supporters from business groups told the committee the change would close an enforcement gap. David Worthams, director of employment policy for the Michigan Manufacturers Association, said employers lack a reliable channel to notify UIA when…

Bill would let Michigan employers report job 'ghosting' and trigger rebuttable disqualification from UI benefits, sponsors say

Summary

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