CONCORD - Gov. John Lynch and Employment Security Commissioner Tara Reardon announced that five NHWorks Offices, as well as Employment Security’s call center, will be open on Saturday and Sunday to help citizens registering for unemployment benefits.

The offices in Concord, Manchester, Nashua, Salem and Somersworth will be open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. The call center at 1-800-266-2252 will be open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The Department transitioned to a new computer system last week, and some people receiving unemployment benefits have had trouble accessing the system.

“For our citizens who have lost their jobs in this national recession, unemployment benefits are an important lifeline - helping make it possible for them to keep their homes and put food on the table,” Gov. Lynch said. “We know that some citizens have faced long lines and computer problems, hindering their ability to collect the benefits to which they are entitled and that they critically need.

“We hope these extra hours will help reduce the backlog and ensure citizens are served in a timely manner,” Gov. Lynch said. “We are also continuing to work to identify and implement other improvements to the system.”

In addition to the weekend hours, Employment Security is working to make the password system easier for claimants to use; planning to open a second computer resource center in Manchester; placing greeters in the front of their offices; and working to triage clients so people with simpler problems, such as people who need their passwords reset, won’t have to wait to meet with counselors.

In addition to bringing in people from other Employment Security units to help with direct customer problems, Employment Security is also receiving assistance from Health and Human Services and Department of Safety personnel.

“I am pleased to be able to open this weekend at five locations to serve claimants that need to visit their local offices. NH Employment Security, along with Governor Lynch, recognize that this will cut down on the long wait times that individuals are experiencing, and that it is important to provide answers for people about their benefits,” Commissioner Tara Reardon said.

The Employment Security Call center at 1-800-266-2252 will be open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday.

The Department is opening the five offices that have seen the highest volume in the past two weeks. The offices will all be open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. The offices are:

Concord Local Office
10 West Street
Concord

Manchester Local Office
300 Hanover Street
Manchester

Nashua Local Office
6 Townsend West
Nashua

Salem Local Office
29 South Broadway
Salem

Somersworth
6 Marsh Brook Road
Somersworth