Utah Sees Another Slight Decline In New Jobless Claims
Jul 23, 2020, 9:05 AM | Updated: 9:32 am
FILE (Getty Images)
(Getty Images)
SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – The state saw another slight decline in new unemployment claims last week, according to the latest report from the Department of Workforce Services, even as the nation’s new jobless claims ticked up for the first time since March.
There were 4,514 new traditional unemployment insurance claims – down by 314 claims from the week prior – and 1,492 new Pandemic Unemployment Assistance claims, which was one fewer than the week before.
There were 88,134 continued claims filed during the week ending July 18. Continued claims are those workers who have filed for assistance for two or more weeks. Also last week, 4,959 Utahns stopped filing for benefits.
Utah Dept. of Workforce Services press conference
LIVE: Utah Dept. of Workforce Services holds press conference following report of 7K new jobless claims in the state
Posted by KSL 5 TV on Thursday, July 23, 2020
“The pandemic has placed unprecedented demands on the unemployment insurance program, but the staff have and continue to do an incredible job meeting the need, issuing over $1.1 billion in benefits to eligible Utahns,” said Kevin Burt, Unemployment Insurance Division director for the Utah Department of Workforce Services. “The added support of the $600 federal stimulus expires across all programs on July 25, 2020. This program provided temporary relief for many until economic recovery began to resume, allowing ongoing stability to now be found in employment.”
Nationally, 1.4 million Americans sought new jobless aid, which is the first increase in new unemployment claims since the pandemic hit the workforce. The Labor Department reported that approximately 32 million workers are currently receiving unemployment benefits. However, according to a report from the Associated Press, that number could include double-counting by some states, and some economists said the figure is probably closer to 25 million.
On Thursday, Republicans in the Senate are expected to unveil their plans for the next step in coronavirus aid.
A $600 boost, part of the CARES Act, that was added on to unemployment insurance payouts will expire this week, so workers who have been furloughed or laid off and have not been able to return to the workforce will see a significant drop in benefits.
If an individual’s employment has been impacted by COVID-19, they should visit jobs.utah.gov/covid19 for updated information including help for employees and employers returning to work.
