December 19, 2008 12:36 PM

Unemployed get a snow day
Posted by Jesse Nunesat 12:36 PM

By Robert Gavin, Globe Staff
(Updated 2:34 p.m.)

Even the unemployed are getting the day off because of the today's snow storm.

Despite sharp increases in unemployment and long waits for people trying to file claims, the state shut career centers, which provide job search services, as well as walk-up unemployment offices and telephone call centers that process claims for unemployment benefits. The state, which recently added weekend hours its call centers because of the high volume, plans to reopen call centers tomorrow, and operate from 8 a.m. to 1:30 p.m, weather permitting.

"The Governor decision's that non-emergency employees stay at home was made to ensure the public safety of both state employees and residents of the Commonwealth," said Michael Taylor, director of the Department of Workforce Development in a statement. "The concern for public safety extended to both our staff and our customers when closing the career centers and call centers today."

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The Globe reported late last month that the growing ranks of jobless in the state have had long waits to get processed for unemployment. One person in the story had tried 40 times over two days to get through on the phone before giving up and going to a walk-in center.

In early December, the state had extended its phone hours for filing unemployment claims to include Saturdays.

Were you planning on filing an unemployment claim today, either at a walk-up unemployment office or over the phone? Contact Globe reporter Robert Gavin at rgavin@globe.com to share your story.