SC Department of Workforce lays off 100

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) –South Carolina’s unemployment agency is laying off 100 employees in June as part of a statewide reorganization that directs anyone seeking jobless benefits to file claims online or by phone. The interim director of the Department of Employment and Workforce told The Associated Press the agency will eliminate one-on-one help with unemployment claims on June 10, and some county offices will close. Exact numbers will depend on local decisions. John Finan planned to announce the agency’s plans later Tuesday, two months after it ended in-person unemployment help at 17 rural offices. Finan says the loss of federal money required a statewide restructuring that brings South Carolina’s technology in line with other states. The agency expects to cut 53 additional jobs between June and December unless Congress again extends federally-paid benefits.