NASHVILLE, TN - State labor officials have begun enforcing new unemployment requirements passed by the Legislature.

WMOT-FM  reported that the longer a person is jobless, the less salary he or she can refuse and still keep unemployment benefits.

After 13 weeks, for example, a person offered a job at 75 percent of previous salary could lose benefits for not accepting it.

Tennessee Labor and Workforce Development spokesman Jeff Hentschel said the department is encouraging employers who made a legitimate offer that was rebuffed to report the instance.

After 38 weeks without a job, people looking for one could be compelled to accept 65 percent of their previous pay or lose benefits.

Hentschel says claimants will not be required to accept an offer for less than the federal minimum wage.