Illinois Amends Disqualifying Misconduct Definition Under Unemployment Benefits Law: Employment Law Manual Updated; Legal Timetable Entry Added

Author: Tracy Morley, XpertHR Legal Editor

Effective January 3, 2016, Illinois has amended the definition of misconduct that disqualifies an employee from collecting unemployment benefits to include the following specific acts:

  • Falsifying an employment application;
  • Failing to maintain required licenses, registrations and certifications;
  • Knowingly and repeatedly violating the employer's attendance policies;
  • Damaging employer property through grossly negligent conduct;
  • Refusing to obey reasonable and lawful instructions;
  • Consuming alcohol or illegal drugs on the employer's premises during work hours;
  • Reporting to work under the influence of alcohol or illegal drugs; and
  • Engaging in grossly negligent conduct that endangers the employee's or co-workers' safety.

In light of this development, the Legally Required Benefits: Illinois section of the Employment Law Manual has been updated and a Legal Timetable entry has been added.