R994-402-207. Systematic and Sustained Work Search

  (1) A systematic and sustained work search means that the claimant must register for work with the Department and contact at least 4 employers each week, unless advised otherwise by an authorized Department representative. The claimant should have a realistic plan for finding employment. All of the employer contacts cannot be made on the same day except in circumstances where a work search on several days of the week is impractical. Work search contacts must be with employers not contacted within the last 90 days.

  (2) Except for claimants who have received Department approval under section R944-403-201, there is no good cause exception for failure to make a systematic and sustained work search after the claimant has received instructions with regard to the required work search. If the claimant is ill or otherwise unable to seek work, but files a claim for benefits after being instructed with regard to work search requirements, benefits must be denied under Section 35A-4-402 and not under Section 35A-4-403(1)(c) unless the claimant was hospitalized for treatment of an emergency or life-threatening condition. Benefits may be allowed if the claimant failed to make the required work search because he or she was on jury duty and regular unemployment benefits would have been allowed under similar circumstances. If the claimant made the required work search but was unable to work or unavailable for work for more than half the normal workweek, he or she might be found ineligible under Sections R994-403-111c and R994-403-112c.

  (3) If the claimant has obtained part-time work, he or she is still required to make a work search on those days when he or she is not working. The number of contacts may be reduced if the claimant is working a substantial amount of time in the part-time job.

  (4) Work search requirements may be suspended if the Department determines that severe weather conditions or other calamity has forced a suspension of such activities by most members of the community.