Biden says unemployed offered jobs must take them or lose benefits

Reuters

Published May 10, 2021 02:13PM ET

Updated May 10, 2021 06:56PM ET

By Nandita Bose

WASHINGTON (Reuters) -U.S. President Joe Biden on Monday defended himself against critics who say expanded unemployment benefits offered in the COVID-19 relief bill passed in March are keeping Americans from taking new jobs.

Biden said the administration will remind U.S. states this week that any unemployed American offered a comparable job must take it or risk losing unemployment benefits. He is also directing the U.S. Labor Department to work with states to reinstate requirements that those receiving unemployment benefits must demonstrate they are actively looking for work.