State officials in Tennessee have reported ongoing improvements in the delivery of unemployment services following the introduction of new software systems over the past year. The update was presented at the semi-annual meeting of the Unemployment Compensation Advisory Council, which includes representation from the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB).
According to leaders from the Employment Security Division within the Department of Labor & Workforce Development, nearly all employers—97%—are now receiving their new account numbers instantly. Previously, only about 60% received them within 90 days before the system upgrade.
The number of employer accounts managed through Tennessee’s updated IRIS system has grown to 193,000, compared to 120,000 nine years ago. The division also noted that it processed 1,100 claims from federal workers during a recent government shutdown. None of these claims are being paid out from the state’s employer-funded trust fund, which currently holds $1.5 billion.
Officials stated that “software improvements are making various turnaround times much faster for employers and claimants.” They also observed an increase in employers using “employer-filed claims” for mass layoffs involving 50 or more workers, describing this as a more efficient method for all parties involved.
The department continues its efforts to connect unemployed Tennesseans with jobs through workforce readiness programs. More information on available resources can be found at Jobs4TN.gov for both employers and claimants (https://www.jobs4tn.gov/), on the main page of the Employment Security Division (https://www.tn.gov/workforce/unemployment.html), and through workforce resources at tnworkready.com (https://www.tnworkready.com/).
A member of NFIB in Nashville recently requested that users regain immediate access to print quarterly wage reports after entering data into the new system. Officials said this request has been submitted to their vendor and anticipate an improvement by January. NFIB members are encouraged to submit further suggestions for improving Tennessee’s unemployment system by contacting State Director Jim Brown.
