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FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: Tammy Cavender (573)
751-7500
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: November 22, 2006
Missouri Experiences Normal Spike in Unemployment Claims Filed
Jefferson City, MO – The Missouri Department of Labor and Industrial Relations today announced an increase in the number of initial and weekly unemployment benefit claims filed compared to the same period last year.
In October 2006, the number of initial unemployment claims filed was 30,543, a slight increase of 5,636 over the number of claims filed in October 2005. The number of weekly unemployment claims filed during the same period rose from 157,685 in 2005 to 192,229. While Missouri experienced an increase in claims for October, the state has seen a decrease in initial and weekly claims filed over the past 12 months. The decrease in initial claims was 17,109 or four percent, while the reduction in weekly claims was 287,422 or 11 percent.
“The minor increase in unemployment claims filed reflects normal seasonal spikes for this time of year,” said Rod Chapel, director of the Missouri Department of Labor and Industrial Relations. “Periodically automobile manufacturers have temporary layoffs in the winter months and the Department is prepared to handle the additional workload.”
The Missouri Department of Labor and Industrial Relations is responsible for providing unemployment benefits to workers who become unemployed through no fault of their own. Eligible individuals may qualify for up to 26 weeks of unemployment compensation.
Unemployed Missourians may file for benefits at www.moclaim.com or by contacting the Regional Claims Center in your area Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the following:
Jefferson City (573) 751-9040, Kansas City (816) 889-3101, Springfield (417) 895-6851 and St. Louis (314) 340-4950. If outside the calling area: (800) 320-2519.
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Information and Planning · 421 East Dunklin
· P.O. Box 504 · Jefferson City, MO
65102-0504
573-751-7500 · 573-751-6552 (Fax)
Relay Missouri: 1-800-735-2966 (TDD) 1-800-735-2466 (Voice)