Appeal BR-94360

Claimant worked for large corporation that offered a mass "voluntary separation program" and threatened to close two out of 5 or 6 offices. R/E found that claimant did not meet burden of proof of a reasonable belief that she would be laid off if she did not accept the buyout offer. Following appeal, BOR remanded for taking additional evidence. At second hearing, R/E elicited evidence of claimant's history of domestic violence and resultant need to live close to work, which would have been impossible had she been transferred to another office. BOR then holds that claimant left for urgent, compelling and necessitous personal reaons. Comparison of old and new decisions shows importance of competent representation and zealous advocacy.(Lee Dunham & Kate Fitzpatrick, GBLS)