SC unemployed would need to accept less pay

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) — People drawing unemployment benefits in South Carolina would have to accept job offers that pay incrementally less than their previous wages under a policy change that could take effect later this week.

The director of the state Department of Employment and Workforce told senators Tuesday the change is meant to motivate those looking for a job to get more serious about accepting work that pays close to their previous amount.

Maj. Gen. Abraham Turner says those drawing unemployment benefits must accept job offers that pay 90 percent of their previous wage after four weeks. The percentage would drop every four weeks. After 16 unemployment payments, they’d have to accept 70 percent of their previous income. Once federal extensions kick in at 20 weeks, they’d have to accept minimum wage labor.