My question involves unemployment benefits for the state of: IL
Hello, any advice on this matter would be appreciated. I called the unemployment office several times but cannot reach anyone to speak to in person.
I terminated an employee of mine after she disrespected me and was very insubordinate. She was always tardy for work, constantly texting on her phone and not working, didn't wear her required uniform...overall, she just refused to listen or do what was asked of her. Throughout the course of the year she was tardy about half of the days she worked. The final breaking point for me which lead to her termination was when she said I was taking advantage of her. She came into work clocked herself in and went start to the bathroom for ten minutes applying her make-up. I told her she should clock in when she starts work, not the minute she walks in the door. I asked her to stop about 5 times and on this 6th time, I took out 10 minutes from her weekly hours. Needless to say we had a spat. I fired her through text message the same night. And she filed for benefits the next day.
I submitted a statement of facts with reasons for her termination being very detailed as to when I spoke to her verbally about being late and being on phone etc. Along with her time sheets highlighting all the times she was late.
I received a letter today stating that my request for denial of benefits due to willful misconduct was denied and it was judged in her favor, because I didn't have any supporting evidence of the reprimands with her signature on it. It seems very unfair since i signed my name and would not falsify or lie on documents submitted to a government agency. They said it was a he/said she/said scenario...
I know that it was my naiveness in not documenting everything in writing. The lesson is learned. We have a very casual laid back atmosphere since our staff is so small.
Additionally, starting January of this year, she was only working 1 day a week because she said she wanted to spend more time with her new boyfriend. She always told me that money was tight for her and when she got her checks she would say..god that's all? I told her that if she needed more hours, and money, I would put her on more shifts but she refused.
This has become a bit personal because she is clearly abusing the system when there are people out there who really need it. She is only 19, wants to hang out with her new guy and collect benefits which is double to what she would have been making if she worked. She doesn't go to school or is not doing anything productive, and just wants to fritter the summer away.
My question is am I able to re-hire her? Offer her to come back to work? If she turns down the opportunity to come back to work, would her benefits stop?
I am thinking about either appealing the determination or just asking her to come back to work. But this time have her sign everytime shes' reprimanded. Do I tell the local employment office that I want her to come back to work?
Based on her benefits she would have to work more than 1 day a week which I know she doesn't want to do. But the shifts are there for her since I am looking for a new hire since she left.
Any input would be great, thank you

