Department of Labor Releases New Fraud Prevention Guidelines for Employers and Claimants

WILMINGTON, Delaware – The Delaware Department of Labor (DOL) has re-released Fraud Prevention guidelines for employers and claimants to protect against identity theft and fraud involving unemployment insurance benefits as incidence of new consumer scams increase across the country.

In recent months, the U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has received multiple reports of scams where job seekers and those seeking unemployment insurance benefits have had their identity and other personal information compromised through schemes that promise employment.

In these cases, phony job postings that are listed on reputable employment websites offering to assist in starting a business or opportunities to earn money working from home. The fake postings use the names of well-known employers to post job openings that don’t exist. The goal of the fraudsters is to get those responding to send personal information or money in order to get the job.

DOL urges that people use caution when considering these posts. To avoid scams like those noted above, it is recommended that individuals:
Verify job openings before applying. Visit the official website for the organization or company you’re applying for. Most legitimate companies include a “career opportunities” or “jobs” section on their websites.
See what others are saying. Look up the name of the company along with words like “scam,” “review,” or “complaint.” The results may include experiences of others who’ve lost money.
Beware of depositing a check from someone you don’t know. An honest employer should never send you a check and then tell you to send them part of the money as a prerequisite for getting hired. That’s a fake check scam.
There are additional guidelines for active employees and members of the public who have not applied for unemployment insurance.

If you receive fraudulent correspondence that resembles any of the following, please contact the Division of Unemployment Insurance immediately:

A letter stating that you have received a monetary determination regarding unemployment insurance
A notification that you have failed the Unemployment Insurance application security verification assessment
A letter notifying you of your potential eligibility for Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA), but you have not applied for unemployment
“If you suspect fraud, please contact DOL immediately” said Darryl Scott, Director of the Division of Unemployment Insurance. “We have staff available to assist, and we work with law enforcement agencies that help the public avoid these fraud attempts and scams daily.”

Forward any relevant information to the Delaware Department of Labor by email to uifraud@delaware.gov. Make sure to include your contact and any information that may support our investigation into the incident.

We also encourage people to report the incident to their local police department, and file a complaint with the Fraud and Consumer Protection Division in the State Attorney General’s Office. This division is designed to help victims of identity theft.

To file a complaint call (302) 577-8600 or submit online via https://attorneygeneral.delaware.gov/fraud/cpu/complaint.

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Media Contact:

Alejandro Bodipo-Memba

DOL Communications

(302)761-8002

Governor Carney Announces Government Efficiency & Accountability Review (GEAR) Public Meetings

WILMINGTON, Del. – Governor Carney on Friday announced the State of Delaware will host Government Efficiency & Accountability Review (GEAR) public meetings in each county as part of an ongoing review of state regulations. Governor Carney and members of his cabinet will host the meetings, and accept public comment on ways to improve state government and the delivery of state services.

The Delaware Departments of Labor; Health and Social Services; Education; Natural Resources and Environmental Control; and Transportation will be among the agencies participating. State of Delaware constituent relations staff also will be available to assist Delawareans with questions or concerns.

“Since taking office, I have talked to Delawareans about our commitment to operating our state government as efficiently and effectively as possible – so we can focus on investing taxpayer dollars where they are needed most,” said Governor Carney. “These GEAR public meetings are another chance for us to hear directly from Delawareans on how we can improve our state government – and strengthen our work around education, public health, workforce training, and social service delivery. Members of our GEAR team have done important work to identify statewide improvements, and we are going on the road to hear directly from Delawareans about their priorities.”

Governor Carney established GEAR by Executive Order in February 2017 to identify ways for state government to operate more efficiently, and improve the delivery of state services for Delaware families.

A review of state regulations is required every four years by the Regulatory Flexibility Act. The following executive branch agencies of the State of Delaware are accepting public comments:

Department of Agriculture
Department of Education
Department of Finance
Department of Health and Social Services
Department of Human Resources
Department of Labor
Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control
Department of Safety and Homeland Security
Department of Services for Children, Youth & Their Families
Department of State
Department of Transportation
Office of Management and Budget

Members of the public who would like to provide comments regarding state rules and regulations can submit comments online, by email, or by mail:

- Online at: https://gear.delaware.gov/public-comment/
- Email to: reg_review@delaware.gov
- Mail comments to:

                       GEAR – Attn: James Myran
                       Carvel State Office Building
                       820 North French Street, 8th Floor, Office 813
                       Wilmington, Delaware 19801

Kent County – GEAR Town Hall

WHAT: Governor John Carney and state agencies will host a GEAR Town Hall to accept public comment on which state regulations should be modified or eliminated.

WHO: Governor John Carney

Secretary Rick Geisenberger, Delaware Department of Finance

James Myran, Executive Director, Government Efficiency & Accountability Review (GEAR)

Members of Governor Carney’s Cabinet

State Senator Trey Paradee

State Representative Bill Bush

State Representative Lyndon Yearick

Representatives from State of Delaware Agencies

WHEN: Thursday, March 19, 2020

6:00 p.m.

WHERE: Wilmington University, Dover Campus

Building A Auditorium

3282 N DuPont Highway

Dover, DE 19901

Sussex County – GEAR Town Hall

WHAT: Governor John Carney and state agencies will host a GEAR Town Hall to accept public comment on which state regulations should be modified or eliminated.

WHO: Governor John Carney

Secretary Rick Geisenberger, Delaware Department of Finance

James Myran, Executive Director, Government Efficiency & Accountability Review (GEAR)

Members of Governor Carney’s Cabinet

State Senator Brian Pettyjohn

State Senator David Wilson

State Senator Gerald Hocker

State Representative Ruth Briggs King

State Representative Daniel Short

State Representative Ronald Gray

State Representative Tim Dukes

State Representative Stephen Smyk

Representatives from State of Delaware Agencies

WHEN: Tuesday, March 24, 2020

6:30 p.m.

WHERE: Delaware Technical & Community College

Owens Campus – Arts and Science Center Theater

21179 College Drive

Georgetown, DE 19947

New Castle County – GEAR Town Hall

WHAT: Governor John Carney and state agencies will host a GEAR Town Hall to accept public comment on which state regulations should be modified or eliminated.

WHO: Governor John Carney

Secretary Rick Geisenberger, Delaware Department of Finance

James Myran, Executive Director, Government Efficiency & Accountability Review (GEAR)

Members of Governor Carney’s Cabinet

State Senator Darius Brown

State Representative Kendra Johnson

Representatives from State of Delaware Agencies

WHEN: Monday, March 30, 2020

6:00 p.m.

WHERE: Route 9 Library & Innovation Center

Black Box Theater and Multipurpose Room A

3022 New Castle Avenue

New Caste, DE 19720

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New Pre-Apprenticeship Program Begins

Wilmington, DE February 26, 2019– Delaware Department of Labor, Division of Employment and Training, Office of Apprenticeship and Training has developed a new Registered Pre-Apprenticeship Program to complement its existing Registered Apprenticeship programs. The Office will approve the program providers and will post a list of qualified pre-apprenticeship programs on its website.

Being a part of a Pre-Apprenticeship program is ideal for individuals who lack experience or education, but want to build a solid foundation to start a successful career. As Delaware’s unemployment rate drops, disadvantaged and underrepresented populations will be at a greater risk of being left behind. Pre-Apprenticeship opportunities will allow these populations to gain the needed hard and soft skills for a successful career.

Pre-Apprenticeship Programs refer to a program or set of strategies designed to prepare individuals to enter and succeed in a Registered Apprenticeship Program. Pre-Apprenticeship Programs are designed to:

1. Create a qualified pipeline of individuals ready to become Registered Apprentices;
2. Expand Registered Apprentices to include underrepresented participants such as non-traditional gender or race/ethnicity, disadvantaged populations, or low-skilled workers; and
3. Recognize credit for related education or training.

“The creation of this program is another step that the Delaware Department of Labor is taking to assist populations that historically have had barriers to gain entry or advancement in the workforce,” said Stacey Laing, Director of the Division of Employment and Training. “This also provides another tool for businesses to tailor the workforce to better meet their needs.”

Registered Apprenticeship is an effective “earn while you learn” model with a long history of providing career ladders and pathways to the middle class, particularly for the building and construction industry but increasingly in other industries as well. In calendar year 2018, the average starting wage for an apprentice was $14.70/hour ($29,400/year), with wages upon completion averaging at $24.00/hour ($48,000/year). These results demonstrate the advantages a Registered Apprenticeship offers in providing both a significant wage gain and clear career path for entry-level workers.

Quality pre-apprenticeship programs can play a valuable role in preparing qualified entry-level workers for Registered Apprenticeship careers while contributing to the development of a diverse and skilled workforce. Through a variety of unique program designs and approaches, pre-apprenticeship programs can be adapted to meet the needs of diverse populations being trained, the various employers and sponsors they serve, and specific opportunities within the local labor market.

The Pre-Apprenticeship Policies and Procedures, and Application were released on February 15, 2019, and can be found on the website. For more information about the pre-apprenticeship program or how to become a recognized pre-apprenticeship program though the Delaware Office of Apprenticeship and Training, please email apprenticeship@delaware.gov or visit our website https://det.delawareworks.com/apprenticeship-and-training.php.

The Division of Employment and Training provides services enabling employers and job seekers to make informed employment and training choices leading to employment.

Contact: Jennifer Zeberkiewicz

Jennifer.zeberkiewicz@state.de.us

302-761-8002

Unemployment Line Goes Online

The Delaware Department of Labor Fox Valley location in Wilmington will no longer offer “counter service” for unemployment insurance claims beginning January 22, 2019. All unemployment insurance claims will be filed using the streamlined process available online at https://ui.delawareworks.com. Individuals can file a claim using any computer or smart phone without the inconvenience of travelling to one of our offices.

The Division of Unemployment Insurance’s other locations will continue to offer counter service until March 11, 2019. After that, all claims will be done online.
• Dover – Blue Hen Corporate Center 655 S. Bay Road Suite 2H
• Newark – Pencader Corporate Center 225 Corporate Blvd. Suite 108
• Georgetown – 8 Georgetown Plaza, Suite 2

All other divisions at the Department of Labor will remain the same – Employment and Training, Industrial Affairs, Vocational Rehabilitation will still offer workshops, appointments, and services onsite using the same delivery and processes.

This process for unemployment claims is more efficient, saves time for the unemployed worker (the claimant) and offers the ability to file at home on a computer or smart phone. A claimant can use any computer with internet access. Claimants can apply:
• on their home computer or any public computer
• on your mobile phone
• at any public library
• current Department of Labor locations will continue to have self-service computer workstations (kiosks). Staff will be available for assistance.

The option for claimants to file a new claim online has been available for years. Delaware is one of only two states that still offers the traditional “unemployment line” with in-person claims handled from the counter. This option generally takes longer and requires documentation.

How to file
The claimant who wants to file for benefits needs the following information to apply:
• Social security number
• Last 18 months of employment history

As part of the process, claimants are required to register with the Division of Employment and Training http://joblink.delaware.gov.

Secretary of Labor Cerron Cade said, “This is just one piece of the puzzle as we continue to modernize the Department of Labor and improve our many services to tax payers.”

For more information, unemployed Delawareans should contact their local Department of Labor offices (302)761-8446 Wilmington, (302)368-6600 Newark, (302)739-05461 Dover and (302)856-5611 Georgetown.
To file an unemployment insurance claim, log on to ui.delawareworks.com and click the red/orange button “File An Unemployment Insurance Claim”.

State of Delaware, City of Wilmington Collaborate on Mobile Jobs Unit in Wilmington

Department of Labor bus will connect Wilmington residents with job-seeking resources in their communities

WILMINGTON, Del. – Governor John Carney, Wilmington Mayor Mike Purzycki, and Delaware Labor Secretary Patrice Gilliam-Johnson announced a new initiative on Wednesday to send employment services teams into various communities in Wilmington using a specially-equipped bus dubbed the Mobile One-Stop (MOS) unit.

Dispatching the 40-foot Department of Labor office on wheels also will increase awareness about the agency’s services for job seekers and employers – bringing these valuable resources to Delawareans in their communities. The bus is equipped with 10 computer workstations, a monitor to display presentations, wireless internet access, and a printer. On board, Delaware Department of Labor employees are ready to assist clients with job searches, resume building, and work training enrollment.

Labor employees on board also can answer questions about the many services offered by the agency.

“We are working hard to make sure that Delaware’s economy works for all Delawareans. Often, that means connecting Delawareans with jobs resources that will help them find good-paying work,” said Governor Carney. “Through this mobile jobs unit, the Department of Labor is getting out into the communities we serve, and meeting Delawareans where they live. This initiative also is one of many examples of how we are working across agencies, with the City of Wilmington, to improve our economy and quality of life for residents in our largest city. Thank you to Mayor Purzycki and Secretary Gilliam-Johnson for their leadership.”

The mobile jobs unit will be dispatched in the City of Wilmington through October to assist Wilmington residents in their job searches. There are currently 2,560 unemployed Wilmington residents actively seeking work. And though 11.6% is Wilmington’s contribution to the county’s labor force of 15,040, the city represents 16.6% of the unemployed.

“This is serious and we have to do something about it,” said Dr. Gilliam-Johnson, Secretary of the Delaware Department of Labor. “Many of the problems Wilmington residents face today can be linked to unemployment, and in order to get to a solution, we have to make meaningful connections with those seeking work, erase this inherent sense of hopelessness that exists, and present them with real and viable opportunities.”

This year, the bus has been deployed at a community block party in South Bridge, is scheduled to make weekly visits to Wilmington’s Safe Haven Community Centers and, until the end of October. will deploy regularly at the Rodney Square Downtown Visions Farmer’s Market on Wednesday afternoons.

“We want to educate Wilmington residents about employment services that are available through the State Labor Department, and to help job seekers more easily access those services,” said Mayor Purzycki. “Given that a lack of transportation can be a huge obstacle for someone who is unemployed, we need to make it easier for residents by bringing those services to the people who need them the most – meeting people where they are and where they live.”

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Find the Mobile One-Stop bus:

Latin American Community Center
Wednesday, September 6 from 3:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Thursday, September 7 from 3:00 pm – 6:00 pm
403 N Van Buren St, Wilmington, DE 19805

Westside Family Health Center & New Destiny Church
Friday, September 8, 2017 at 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM.
908 16th St B, Wilmington, DE 19802

West End Neighborhood Home
Tuesday, September 19, at 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Wednesday, September 20, at 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM
710 North Lincoln Street, Wilmington, DE 19805

Westside Family Health Center & New Destiny Church
Thursday, September 21, 2017 at 3:00 PM – 5:30 PM
908 16th St B, Wilmington, DE 19802

Hilltop Lutheran Center
Wednesday, September 27, 2017 at 2:30 PM – 5:30 PM
Thursday, September 28, 2017 at 2:30 PM – 5:30 PM
1018 W 6th St, Wilmington, DE 19805

Fraim Boys and Girls Club
Friday, September 22, 2017 at 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Saturday, September 30, 2017 at 1:00 PM – 6:00 PM
669 S. Union St. Wilmington, DE

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