Length of employment requirement for a shared work plan shortened

Employers now have increased flexibility in using shared work plans as part of the state’s unemployment insurance program.

Sponsored by Rep. Zack Stephenson (DFL-Coon Rapids) and Sen. Jason Rarick (R-Pine City), a new law will temporarily shorten the length of employment requirement for a shared work plan from 12 months to three months.

The new law took effect June 24, 2020, and will expire Dec. 31, 2020.

Outside of this temporary change, state law holds that only full-time or regular part-time employees who work for their employer for one year or more are eligible to participate in a shared work plan.

In a shared work plan, participating employees work reduced hours for their employer and are eligible for partial unemployment insurance benefits. They also continue to receive health and pension benefits.

SSHF63*/SSSF53/SSCH10