As Iowa begins opening in some industries, in 77 counties, on Friday, May 1, workers and employers have many questions – especially if they have been unemployed, or had their business closed. Below are some resources to try to answer those questions about employment.
For Employees:
Iowa Workforce Development FAQ for Workers regarding unemployment. This also covers what happens if your job is offered to you, and you have a reason you cannot take it.
If you are laid off right now, and the business you work for restarts and offers you your job back, you must take it because you will lose your unemployment benefits. Iowa Workforce Development gave Iowans the reminder this week as 77 counties move to partially reopen restaurants, malls, fitness centers, and limited retail.
That means some employees will be asked to return to work. The state says that fear of catching the virus is not enough to justify saying “no” if your job is offered to you again. If you turn it down out of fear of catching the virus, it will be considered a “voluntary quit,” which disqualifies workers from receiving unemployment benefits.
There are exceptions to the “voluntary quit” clause. From the IWD:
Iowans who have been placed on a temporary layoff related to COVID-19 but refuse to return to work when recalled by their employer will lose unemployment benefits, except for certain circumstances including:
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If you have tested positive for COVID-19 and are experiencing symptoms;
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If you have recovered but it caused medical complications rendering you unable to perform essential job duties;
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If a member of your household has been diagnosed with COVID-19;
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If you are providing care for a member of your household who was diagnosed with COVID-19;
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If you do not have childcare due to COVID-19 reasons; or
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If you do not have transportation to your place of work because of COVID-19.
- ADDED: You or a member of your household are in a higher risk category and have been advised by your healthcare provider to self-quarantine due to concerns related to COVID-19.
Employees in any of these positions are strongly encouraged to work with their employer in the best way to handle the situation to return to work.
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For Business:
If you are a business that has been shutdown, and had to lay-off employees, due to COVID-19, here are the things you may have a question about as you restart:
Iowa Workforce Development FAQ for Employers.
If there are situations that come up for your business, and they are not noted in these questions, here are other points of contact –
