The state of Ohio’s Office of Workforce Development, and its counterparts in our neighboring states, are providing incentives for hiring people on unemployment.

Through the OWD website, employers now have the ability to post job openings and research talent currently in the unemployment database. This service is provided at no charge to the employer on the state unemployment websites under the Employer Services tab.

Statewide incentives currently being offered include Learn to Earn, National Emergency Grants, Works Incentive Program, Tax Credits and On-the-Job Training. The Learn to Earn and On-the-Job Training programs have been the most popular with employers.  Learn to Earn is an initiative to provide workplace training opportunities for eligible unemployment compensation claimants. It gives employers the opportunity to train a potential employee at no cost.  The claimant can continue to collect unemployment in this program, and the employer can assess the individual’s potential for full-time employment. The On-the-Job Training program helps businesses hire and train job seekers for long-term employment. This is an opportunity for companies to recruit, pre-screen and hire new employees, and train them in the specific skills needed. The company is reimbursed for training wages up to $5,000 for participating in the program.

New programs are being developed and offered every six to 12 months.  You can find more information about these programs on the state unemployment websites or contact your local state job center for more details.

If you have any questions about this information or about how Matrix Unemployment Cost Management can help your company reduce your unemployment claims and costs, contact Ken Kruse at 513.351.1222 or by email at kkruse@matrixtpa.com