Reasons for Refusal of Temporary Job Not Sufficient; Claimant Disqualified

The Third Department upheld the disqualification of an unemployment-insurance claimant who refused a temporary job offer because the pay was lower than at his previous temporary job and a 20-mile commute was required:

“A claimant who  refuses to accept a job for which  he  or she is reasonably suited by  training and  experience will be  disqualified from receiving unemployment  insurance benefits” ….   Here, the record confirms that claimant was  qualified for the job offered to him  and  the position paid the prevailing wage ….   As for claimant’s rejection of the job offer due  to its location, “dissatisfaction with the length of one’s commute does not constitute good cause for rejecting an otherwise  suitable  offer of  employment”  … Notably, claimant admitted receiving the unemployment  insurance handbook explaining his obligations regarding reasonable commuting  distances under these circumstances.  Matter of Neuman, 509590, 3rd Dept, 4-18-13