Unemployment News for Employers

Message from DWD Secretary Pechacek

Dear Wisconsin Employer:

This year, the Department of Workforce Development (DWD) continued its groundbreaking work to strengthen communities across the state and advance Wisconsin’s economic competitiveness. Through the continued implementation of the Workforce Solutions Initiative (WSI), Governor Tony Evers’ historic investment in communities across the state, more than 128,000 Wisconsinites have received access to hands-on training, career pathways, affordable housing, job transportation, and other supports that foster stability and success. The funding has supported three initiatives: Workforce Innovation Grants to support community organizations to develop long-term solutions for local and regional workforce challenges; the Workforce Advancement Initiative to help workers overcome barriers to employment through training programs and other supportive services; and the Worker Connection Program that has connected jobseekers with training and work opportunities to move into good-paying jobs.

These accomplishments have solidified Wisconsin’s position as a national leader in workforce development. Thanks to the leadership and vision of the Evers administration, Wisconsin saw record participation in registered and youth apprenticeship for the fourth consecutive year in 2025. More Wisconsinites are working than ever before, and Wisconsin’s unemployment rate continues to outperform the nation. This summer, Gov. Evers announced that Wisconsin ranked fourth in the nation for the third consecutive year in 2025 for helping veterans connect with employment.

These workforce wins could not have happened without the efforts of workforce partners, community leaders, and other stakeholders that help strengthen communities through key regional partnerships. This kind of collaboration exemplifies Gov. Evers’ proclaimed 2026 “Year of the Neighbor,” highlighting the importance of values such as community and togetherness in building and strengthening Wisconsin’s workforce.

We are also proud to share that in 2027, Wisconsin unemployment insurance tax rates will stay at the lowest rate schedule, Schedule D. And our UI Trust Fund continues to grow, rising to about $2.3 billion as of June 30, 2026.

DWD’s commitment to connecting talent with opportunity also plays an important role in strengthening our workforce. We are here to support employers in recruiting, hiring, and retaining quality workers. If you’re hiring, DWD’s business services team can connect you with candidates and resources tailored to your needs. Visit dwd.wi.gov/det to connect with your local team.

Thank you for your valuable contributions to Wisconsin’s economy and standard of living. Our shared commitment to building a strong workforce grounded in innovative solutions positions our state for future success and helps keep our economy moving forward.

Amy Pechacek
Secretary

UI Modernization – Enhanced Employer Portal

DWD is rolling out an enhanced UI Employer Portal this fall! The UI Employer Portal will have a new look and feel, require a MyWisconsin ID account for logging in, and offer new features.

Find the latest information about the UI Employer Portal.

Update Your Employer Account Information

Now is a great time to make sure your UI employer account information is up to date!

In the UI Employer Portal, go to "View/Update Account," then "Update Employer Information." From here, you can update the FEIN, legal name, trade name, phone number, and email address for your employer account as needed.

Quarterly Reports Mailing Discontinued

DWD will stop mailing quarterly reports in 2027. Please use the secure UI Employer Portal to file quarterly reports electronically and simplify your tax calculations.

Learn more about filing your tax report.

Work-Share Program

The Work-Share program can help you avoid layoffs if your business activity slows down. You can apply for a Work-Share plan to help save on overhead while retaining your trained staff.

A Work-Share plan can reduce hours for two or more employees between 10% and 60% of the normal work hours per week for each employee.

Your employees do not need to apply for other jobs or be available to work for another employer to be eligible for limited UI benefits while on a Work-Share plan. Under Work-Share, your employees will keep their employer-sponsored health and retirement benefits.

Learn more about the Work-Share program.

Other Employer Resources

The DWD website offers information on the UI program, reference videos, frequently asked questions, and more! Go to the UI Employer page to explore the resources below.

Employer Videos

DWD has released short new videos covering common UI employer questions including understanding your Reserve Fund Balance and liability and charging.

Worker Classification

Do you know the difference between an employee and an independent contractor? Learn about worker classification and the steps to classify a worker.

Labor Law Clinics and Friday Fundamentals

DWD offers free, educational, and interactive virtual half-day Labor Law Clinics and two-hour web conferences called Friday Fundamentals where DWD employees explain many of the laws and rules the agency administers.

Coming Soon – Employer Handbook Updates

The UI Employer Handbook is being updated to help you understand UI taxes, reporting, benefits, and appeals. Keep an eye out for the updated handbook this fall!

Follow DWD on Social Media

You can find useful information about the Unemployment Insurance program and other DWD programs, services, grants, and events on our social media channels!

Follow DWD on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, or X by searching @WIWorkforce