R994-405-308. Burden of Proof

(1) The statute requires that the wage, hours, and other conditions of the work shall not be substantially less favorable to the individual than those prevailing for similar work in the area in order to be considered suitable work. The Department has the burden to prove that the work offered meets these minimum standards before benefits can be denied. Before benefits may be denied, the Department must show:

(a) the job was available,

(b) the claimant had an opportunity to learn about the conditions of employment,

(c) the claimant had an opportunity to apply for or accept the job, and

(d) the claimant's action or inaction resulted in the failure to obtain the job.

(2) When the Department has established all of the elements in paragraph (1) of this subsection, a disqualification must be assessed unless it can be established that the work was not suitable, that there was good cause for failing to obtain the job, or the claimant or the Department can show that a disqualification would be contrary to equity and good conscience.

(3) The Department has the option, but not the obligation, to review Department records concerning the claimant's wages and work history to determine suitability in cases where the claimant has not provided a reason for refusing the job, or the claimant's stated reason for refusing the job was for a reason other than suitability. In these cases, department intervention would only be appropriate if the available information establishes that a denial would be an affront to fairness.