Beginning the week of July 11, those on unemployment must once again follow the requirement to search for work while they are receiving benefits.

The requirement was waived during the coronavirus pandemic because so many businesses were required to close and jobs were largely unavailable.

Jennifer Berrier, state Secretary of Labor and Industry, announced on Monday that the work-search requirement will return.

Those on unemployment must certify beginning on July 18 that they have looked for work during the previous week, a news release from Berrier's office said.

“As more Pennsylvanians become vaccinated and our case count continues to decline, workers can more safely return to the workforce,” Berrier said. “We have been working with out stakeholder groups and have determined July is the ideal time to reinstate the work-search requirement.”

She said CareerLink locations across the state are prepared to provide high quality, individualized assistance to those out of work.

All unemployment programs, such as Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation and Pandemic Unemployment Assistance, are included in the reinstatement of the work-search requirement.

The Republican state legislators who attended the 2021 Butler County Legislative Breakfast on May 14 were united in their stance that the state unemployment compensation system is largely responsible for the lack of workers across the state.

State Sen. Scott Hutchinson, R-21st, said employers are struggling to find enough workers to effectively operate their businesses.

He said furloughed workers are making more money by staying home and collecting unemployment and government stimulus checks than they would had they returned to work.

State Rep. Tim Bonner, R-8th, also decried the amount of unemployment given to those furloughed during the pandemic, saying they received 79 weeks of benefits instead of the normal 26 plus federal bonuses.

“That's $21 an hour to sit home and do nothing,” Bonner said.

State Rep. Aaron Bernstine, R-10th, joined his colleagues in complaining about the lack of workers statewide, which he also believes is because workers are making more on unemployment.

“It's totally unacceptable,” he said. “The problem with government subsidies is these activities.”

According to Berrier's news release, eligible work-search activities are:

n Attending a job fair.

Searching positions posted on the PA CareerLink system or Internet job banks.

Contacting colleagues, former coworkers to communicate availability for work or to inquire about open positions.

Using an employment agency, employment registry or school placement service.

Taking a civil service test or other pre-employment test.

Participating in a PA Career Link activity or program.

Those collecting unemployment benefits also are required to keep a log of their work-search activities. A log form is available on the Labor & Industry website, dli.pa.gov.

In addition, unemployment benefit recipients are required to accept job offers of suitable work.