RALEIGH, N.C. -- North Carolina's Employment Security Commission is introducing a way for the newly unemployed to file a compensation claim by telephone.

The agency said Monday it will start the system for unemployed workers to file their initial claim for benefits on Wednesday.

Until then, unemployed workers could either visit an ESC office or file claims online at the agency's website. The ESC says its new phone system has a voice recognition system that will guide the jobless through the process of filing an unemployment claim.

The system was tested in 17 counties including Wake, Mecklenburg, Guilford, and more than a dozen counties in northeastern North Carolina.

The toll-free number is open 24 hours a day and seven days a week. It is 877-841-9617.