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Tuesday, January 27, 2009
Jobless Claims Service Improved
By Dan Boyd
Journal Capitol Bureau
SANTA FE — The state Department of Workforce Solutions has ramped up its processing of unemployment filings since Gov. Bill Richardson ordered a series of immediate steps be taken earlier this month to alleviate problems.
Last week alone, the department reported serving 7,762 customers.
And since Jan. 14, when Richardson issued his order, the department has accepted 331 paper unemployment benefit filings. Previously, out-of-work New Mexicans could file only by telephone or on the department's Web site.
With a limited number of employees at the department's call center and a growing number of laid-off workers, a backlog of callers had developed that resulted in some people reporting calling more than 150 times before getting through to the call center.
But those who called last Friday and Saturday connected immediately or after only a brief wait, department spokeswoman Carrie Moritomo said Monday.
Per Richardson's order, the call center's hours have been extended, 10 Department of Workforce Solutions employees have been shifted to the call center and 16 employees from other state agencies have temporarily transferred over to NMDWS to help.
Interviews were continuing Monday for an additional 10 outside workers who will be able to step in after completing a one-week training course.
The call center previously had only 45 workers, including 15 who had been recently added to the force, to handle surging call volumes.
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