Trump admin. proposes stricter unemployment work search rules

The Trump administration on Monday proposed stiffer rules for Americans seeking unemployment benefits that, if adopted, would require them to conduct more weekly job searches. The proposed Department of Labor regulations, set to be published in the Federal Register on Tuesday, would require people applying for or collecting jobless aid to complete at least five unique work searches per week. Currently, many U.S. states require two to three qualifying work searches per week, while only four states require five. Some states require only one work search activity to qualify for unemployment benefits.The Trump administration said the change is necessary to create consistent eligibility requirements for unemployment benefits nationwide. A national minimum weekly work search standard would "improve program integrity and strengthen labor market attachment," the Labor Department said in its proposal.

"This action is necessary to reduce inconsistencies beyond those created by local labor markets in State-level requirements for individuals to actively seek work," according to the agency. "The intended effect is to hold States accountable for administering [an unemployment compensation] program that provides temporary wage replacement to eligible individuals while they are actively seeking work through a meaningful engagement with the labor market."The public has 60 days following publication of the proposed rule to offer comment.Costly for states and workersLabor advocates criticized the proposed change in work search rules,