If a company hires temporary or seasonal employees, will these employees still be eligible for unemployment when their assignment ends?

Maybe. Temporary and seasonal employees may qualify for unemployment benefits at the conclusion of an assignment.

State unemployment insurance laws generally do not disqualify an individual based on his or her classification as a temporary or seasonal worker. Eligibility for unemployment compensation is based on a number of factors, including the duration of employment, the employee's earnings in his or her base period, and the circumstances that led to the separation from employment or reduction in hours. If an employee loses work through no fault of his or her own and there is simply no more work for the employee, this worker may be eligible for benefits, and the employer may or may not be chargeable.

For information on how base periods work, refer to the SHRM Q&A How long must an employee work for an employer before he or she is able to collect unemployment?

Each state unemployment compensation law should be examined to determine the eligibility requirements and any specific exclusions from benefits for temporary or seasonal workers.