Sec.31-236-1. Refusal of work general

(a) An individual shall be ineligible for benefits if the Administrator finds that the individual failed without sufficient cause either:

(1) to apply for available, suitable work when so directed by the Administrator or by the public employment bureau; or

(2) to accept suitable employment when offered to the individual by the public employment bureau or by an employer.

(b) Ineligibility pursuant to subsection (a) shall continue until the individual has returned to work and earned at least six times the individual’s benefit rate.

(c) (1) Suitable work means either work in the individual’s occupation or field or other work for which such individual is reasonably fitted, provided such work is within a reasonable distance of the individual’s residence. In determining whether or not any work is suitable for an individual, the Administrator shall consider the degree of risk to the individual’s health, safety and morals, the individual’s physical and mental fitness and prior training and experience, the individual’s skills, the individual’s previous wage level and the individual’s length of unemployment.

(2) Notwithstanding subdivision (1) of this subsection, for an individual who has limited availability to part-time employment while satisfying the eligibility requirements of section 31-235-6a of the Regulations of Connecticut State Agencies, the administrator shall not find work to be suitable unless it is consistent with any medical restrictions imposed by the individual’s licensed physician.

(d) The Administrator shall not deem work to be suitable nor deny benefits under Chapter 567 of the Connecticut General Statutes to any otherwise eligible individual for refusing to accept work under any of the following conditions:

(1) The position offered is vacant due directly to a strike, lockout or other dispute;

(2) The wages, hours or other conditions of work offered are substantially less favorable to the individual than those prevailing for similar work in the locality;

(3) As a condition of being employed the individual would be required to join a company union or resign or refrain from joining any bona fide labor organization;

(4) The position is for work which commences or ends between the hours of one and six o’clock in the morning if the Administrator finds that such work would constitute a high degree of risk to the health, safety or morals of the individual, or would be beyond the physical or mental capabilities or fitness of the individual or there is no suitable transportation available between the individual’s home and the individual’s place of employment;

(5) As a condition of being employed the individual would be required to agree not to leave such position if recalled by the individual’s former employer.

(Effective June 24, 1986; Amended December 7, 2007)