State unemployment agencies use information from both the employer and the claimant to determine eligibility for unemployment benefits. Unfortunately, the claimant and the employer rarely have the same set of facts. Without proper documentation, state agencies typically make a determination in favor of the claimant.
Losing a claim due to lack of documentation is avoidable. It only takes a few minutes to document an incident, a policy violation, or any issue that requires tracking.
Simple corrective-action forms can be created for nearly every type of policy violation. The tracking of these events is extremely important when contesting an unemployment claim. The employer must show/prove the claimant was aware of the policy, was warned for prior incidents, and knew their job was in danger before separation. The use of documentation will provide the needed timeline to ensure a successful protest.
The most effective form of documentation is progressive discipline.
Remember, if it is not documented, the claimant will state it never happened. Every warning should create a picture in the mind of the reader with clear descriptive information of the who, what, when, where, why, and how of the situation. By including the policy violated and the employee’s acknowledgment of the corrective action, the employer will ensure that this will be an effective measure in providing disqualifying information should an unemployment claim be filed in the future.
Do you need assistance with your documentation process? Contact your CCC Account Executive for assistance.
