The Pennsylvania Unemployment Compensation Board of Review has implemented significant updates to its hearing procedures. These changes will directly impact how employers manage claims, control costs, and protect their unemployment tax rates.
Dunn Corporate Resources participated as a stakeholder throughout this process, helping ensure that the final regulations reflect the practical realities employers face every day.
Below are the two most important changes:
1. Remote Hearings Are Becoming Standard
Historically, unemployment hearings were conducted primarily in person. The new regulations expand the use of remote hearings, including video conferencing and telephone participation, as part of a broader effort to modernize the system.
What this means for employers:
- Reduced travel time and associated costs
- Faster scheduling and resolution of cases
- Greater availability of witnesses and key personnel
- Less disruption to day-to-day business operations
At the same time, increased accessibility will likely result in more hearings moving forward. As a result, preparation and proper representation are more important than ever in a faster-paced environment.
2. Failure to Appear May Result in Dismissal
Another important change is the ability to dismiss an appeal if the appealing party fails to appear at the hearing.
Previously, hearings often proceeded even if the appealing party did not attend. Under the updated rules, non-appearance may lead to dismissal of the appeal.
What this means for employers:
- Fewer unnecessary hearings
- Greater accountability for all parties
- Potential for favorable outcomes when the opposing party fails to appear
- Reduced administrative burden and overall costs
However, this also increases the importance of attending and properly preparing for every scheduled hearing.
Bottom Line
These changes are designed to improve efficiency within the system, but they also raise the stakes. Employers should expect more hearings, shorter timelines, and outcomes that increasingly favor the party that is best prepared.
Dunn Corporate Resources is well-positioned to help employers navigate these changes effectively. Our involvement in the rulemaking process provides us with valuable insight into how these updates will be applied in practice.
We support our clients with:
- Professional representation at both remote and in-person hearings
- Proactive claims management strategies
- Cost-control solutions designed to protect unemployment tax rates
As the system continues to evolve, employers who adapt quickly and maintain a disciplined approach to claims management will be in the strongest position.
That’s exactly where we come in at Dunn Corporate Resources! Contact us today to find out more!