Texas Workforce Commission again pauses job search requirements for unemployed

AUSTIN, Texas – The Texas Workforce Commission announced Tuesday the job search requirement for those collecting unemployment benefits has been paused again.

The requirement, which makes it mandatory to complete at least three job-related searches before a person can file a claim, was originally paused at the onset of the coronavirus pandemic when businesses were temporarily shuttered to help slow the spread of the disease.

Officials announced last week that the requirement would be reinstated on July 6. However, on Tuesday they announced the requirement would again be paused while they reevaluate policies regarding reinstatement.

“Due to the resurgence of COVID-19 cases in Texas, TWC has decided to pause the return of work search requirements at this time,” said Ed Serna, executive director of TWC. “We will continue to monitor the situation and make further recommendations in late July.”

The number of coronavirus cases has been increasing for the past couple of weeks. The upward trend has prompted Texas Gov. Greg Abbott to again close bars and reduce restaurant capacity to 50%.