They are required to be seeking employment to get benefits in some states. That’s the game.
As they should be. But it we actually want these programs to help people find jobs, they should measure more than whether people are looking for jobs.
When I was on unemployment in 2009. I was appreciative of the fact that while job seeking programs were available they weren't mandatory, because as a corporate professional, I already know how to look for a job. I also appreciate that they didn't force me into a restaurant job that paid 15% of what I was previously making.
By the way, waiters and waitresses can be paid 31% less than minimum wage because they are expected to earn tips. This article sounds a lot like the article where the person was looking to hire 50 workers but couldn't get anyone to apply. They were all commission only sales jobs.