Mills’ work search requirement adds additional burden for unemployed Mainers, advocates say

James Myall, policy analyst at Maine Center for Economic Policy, agreed that the order could make many feel they have to return to work.  

“The concern is that this potentially increases pressure on folks to go back to their employer or to go back to whatever work they’re doing as a self-employed person at a time when I don’t think we necessarily have enough evidence that it’s safe to do so,” he said. 

And even for those who do ultimately decide they feel comfortable returning to work, Myall said finding employment may not be easy. 

Click here to read the full story, first published September 24, 2020, in Beacon.