Unemployment News for Employers

Required Poster Updates  |  Work-Share Program  |  Respond to UI Requests Electronically  |  UI Modernization  |  Labor Law Training  |  Employer Handbook

Message from DWD Secretary Pechacek

Dear Wisconsin Employer:

After a tremendous Year of the Worker in 2024 in which our workforce and economy shattered records left and right, we’re bringing more good news for Wisconsin employers this fall. In 2026, Wisconsin unemployment insurance tax rates will remain at Schedule D, the lowest rate schedule. The UI Trust Fund balance on June 30, 2025, has risen to more than $2 billion.

Our focus at the Department of Workforce Development this year has been on keeping kids and families at the center of Wisconsin’s workforce strategy. Governor Evers declared 2025 the Year of the Kid, elevating priorities – such as access to childcare – that directly affect employers’ ability to recruit and retain workers.

The 2025-27 Biennial Budget, signed into law by Governor Evers in July, advances practical tools for employers. It expands the Worker Connection program to provide support for job seekers and workers, helping address barriers that often drive turnover. The budget also continues investments in worker training through Wisconsin Fast Forward, which helps employers upskill current workers and grow entry-level talent, and technical education equipment grants so schools can train students on modern equipment aligned with industry needs.

DWD is here to support employers in recruiting, hiring, and retaining quality workers. If you’re hiring, our business services team can connect you with candidates and resources tailored to your needs. Visit www.wisconsinjobcenter.org/directory/business_services.htm to connect with your local team.

Thank you for your valuable contributions to Wisconsin’s economy and quality of life. Our shared commitment to building a strong workforce and connecting skills with opportunities positions our state for future success.

Amy Pechacek
Secretary

Required Workplace Poster Updates

A recent federal court order outlines a new additional required poster: SSDI Notice Poster (Publication UCB-20040-P), available on Oct. 14, 2025 (new date). Go to dwd.wisconsin.gov/dwd/publications/ui/ssdi.htm to print the new additional required poster. Display the poster where workers will easily see it or share directly with each person. Posting is required from Oct. 14, 2025 until Jan 12, 2026 (new dates).

The Notice to Employees About Applying for Wisconsin Unemployment Benefits (Publication UCB-7-P) will be updated with the latest identity verification information on Oct. 31, 2025. Go to dwd.wisconsin.gov/dwd/publications/ui/notice.htm to print the updated required workplace poster. Display the poster where workers will easily see it or share directly with each person.

Work-Share Program

The Work-Share program avoids layoffs, allowing employers to retain trained staff during times of reduced business activity and employees to maintain benefits and remain employed.

Employers should apply for a Work-Share plan when they need to reduce hours for two or more employees between 10% and 60% of the normal hours per week for each employee.

Employees do not need to apply for other jobs or be available to work for another employer while on a Work-Share plan.

To learn more about the Work-Share program, scan the QR code or go to dwd.wisconsin.gov/uitax/workshare.htm

Respond to UI Requests Electronically – Save Time and Money

State Information Data Exchange System (SIDES) and SIDES E-Response are free, secure options for responding electronically to unemployment insurance (UI) information requests.

You can use SIDES or SIDES E-Response to submit responses to:

• Separation Notices (Form UCB-16)
• Determinations (Form UCB-20)
• Wage Audit Forms (UCF-350-4, UCF-17275, and UCF-17275-3)

These systems help you better anticipate and supply needed data, reduce follow-up phone calls and paperwork, prevent improper payments, and streamline the UI response process, ultimately saving time and money.

For details, scan the QR code or go to dwd.wisconsin.gov/ui/sides

UI Modernization – Employer Portal

DWD continues work on improving employers' experience with UI. Unfortunately, effective May 22, 2025, the U.S. Department of Labor (U.S. DOL) – without prior notice – terminated $29 million of DWD's modernization grants as part of a larger effort to terminate $675 million in ARPA grants awarded to UI programs in more than 30 states and territories. As a result of U.S. DOL's action, DWD was forced to pause work on the UI Employer Portal.

During the pause, DWD teams have pivoted to prioritize items that need to be supported by remaining funds. This includes evaluating the work that has already been done to identify what can be retained, what needs to be modified, and which features can be completed under the new circumstances. DWD remains committed to delivering more effective and efficient tools for Wisconsin employers.

Labor Law Training

DWD offers interactive, educational virtual half-day Labor Law Clinics and two-hour web conferences called Friday Fundamentals. DWD staff explain many of the laws and rules the agency administers on the following topic areas:

• Fair Employment
• Wage and Hour
• Worker's Compensation
• Vocational Rehabilitation
• Unemployment Insurance
• Employment and Training

Upcoming sessions are free to employers registered on Job Center of Wisconsin! Each session includes reference materials and a certificate of attendance for continuing education credits. Go to dwd.wisconsin.gov/laborlaw to view or register for training and sign up for emails about future sessions.

Employer Handbook

The UI Employer Handbook helps employers meet their obligations under the Wisconsin UI law, Chapter 108 of the Wisconsin Statutes. It includes useful information on UI benefits, taxes, appeals, reporting, and more.

Spotlight: Employer Charging – The Employer Handbook explains how employer accounts are charged and includes a chart on "Exceptions to the Standard Quit Disqualification," with details on relief of charging. Responding promptly to the Separation Notice (Form UCB-16) helps ensure correct charging, even if your former employee was working for another employer.

Stay up-to-date on UI laws and policies by reviewing the Employer Handbook at: dwd.wisconsin.gov/ui201

Publication UCT-17289-P (Rev. 10/2025)