Unemployment Eligibility Changes Could Mean Opportunity for Manufacturers

More than 500,000 Michiganders will be more highly motivated to seek work soon as several federal unemployment programs end. This signals an end to what has become a major impediment to the return of the full workforce in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic and a potential opportunity for Michigan manufacturers looking to hire.

As of Saturday, 9/4/21, the following federal unemployment programs will end:

• Pandemic Unemployment Compensation (PUC) — Provides an extra $300 per week to eligible unemployment recipients in addition to state unemployment benefits
• Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) — Provides up to 50 weeks of federally-funded unemployment for those who are not eligible for regular unemployment, such as the self-employed and independent contractors
• Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation (PEUC) — Provides an extension of benefits to claimants who have exhausted all rights to regular unemployment benefits
• Mixed Earners Unemployment Compensation (MEUC) — Provides an additional $100 per week to claimants who have earned at least $5,000 in net self-employment income

With more than 600,000 Michiganders currently claiming unemployment, MMA has advocated for the state to take aggressive steps to address the hundreds of thousands of jobs that remain unfilled. While action is needed on several fronts — getting schools back to full-time in-person instruction, addressing childcare challenges and programs to help upskill incumbent workers — the elimination of these federal incentives to remain unemployed will help address the crippling talent shortage manufacturers are experiencing.

Michigan manufacturers are offering lucrative and fulfilling careers with outstanding benefits in safe and inviting workplaces. Helping more than half a billion Michiganders find a future in the manufacturing sector will propel our industry forward and make Michigan a strong and competitive state on the global stage.

Michigan manufacturers are doing their part to attract top notch talent. To leverage this opportunity to boost your recruitment efforts, consider reaching out to your local Michigan Works! office and registering with Pure Michigan Talent Connect site.

Contact John J. Walsh

MMA President & CEO
Call 517-487-8550
E-mail walsh@mimfg.org