Created by the Legislature in 1941, the Oklahoma Employment Security Commission (OESC) governs the operation of local offices throughout the state. These offices provide testing, counseling and placement services for job seekers; solicit job orders from employers; refer applicants to jobs; provide Computerized Job Banks for job information; and provide special services for veterans and disabled veterans, including job development, counseling and placement. OESC also collects Unemployment Insurance taxes from Oklahoma employers to finance payment of unemployment benefits to jobless workers. Unemployment Insurance Claims are filed in Local Employment Services Offices and a metropolitan call center. The OESC in cooperation with the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) manages the Current Employment Statistics (CES) survey to provide current Labor Market Information to employers, job seekers, employment and guidance counselors and students to assist them in making informed decisions about their economic futures. Additionally, the OESC, through the Employment and Training Division, as the Governors’ designated administrative entity, has the administrative responsibility for providing administrative funds for local fiscal agents and service providers throughout the state of Oklahoma. These funds are used to respond to changes in the economy, prepare workers to meet the needs of the labor market, provide key labor market information and help businesses with the resources to remain globally competitive. The Agency is part of a national network of employment service agencies receiving administrative funding from the federal government and is governed by a five-member Commission appointed by the Governor with consent of the Senate.
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