If you're using a 1040-EZ or a 1040-A, then that means you're taking the standard deduction rather than itemizing deductions (because, for you, the standard deduction is higher). So that's a good thing.
But the downside with the unreimbursed employee expenses is that they are only available to those who itemize. If you had additional deductions which, when combined with your UBE, exceeded the standard deduction, then you could itemize on Schedule A and get credit for them.
Unfortunately, that's how the IRS treats those expenses.
