April 29, 2011
Jackson -
The Mississippi Department of Employment Security is continuing to assist workers affected by tornadoes across the state and flooding along the Mississippi River.
“We stand ready to meet workers’ needs as we learn more about how the tornadoes and flooding have affected businesses,” MDES Executive Director Les Range said.
The agency is accepting Unemployment Insurance claims from those left jobless by tornadoes earlier this week. If the president signs a federal disaster declaration, affected workers may be eligible for Disaster Unemployment Assistance.
The Mississippi River has reached and is continuing to reach flood stages in several areas of the state, temporarily closing many casinos and possibly other businesses. Casino closures along the Mississippi River could leave approximately 12,000 workers temporarily laid off.
Because of the volume of workers who may need to file Unemployment Insurance claims, the agency on Monday is sending Mobile WIN Job Centers to its WIN Job Centers in Tunica and Southaven.
The Mobile WIN Job Centers have 12 Internet-connected computers. They’re being sent to DeSoto and Tunica counties to provide additional Internet access to casino and other workers who may need to file claims for Unemployment Insurance. The centers will be at the sites 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. all week. Additional staff will be on hand to answer questions.
Workers may apply for Unemployment Insurance through our call center, which may be reached at 601-855-3133 or 888-844-3577, and by visiting mdes.ms.gov.
MDES will send its Mobile WIN Job Centers to other areas of the sate as needed to help workers as the state responds storm and flooding aftermath.
|
