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FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: Tammy Cavender (573)
751-7500
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 27, 2007
Missouri Below National Average on Unemployment Weeks Claimed
Jefferson City, MO – The Missouri Department of Labor and Industrial Relations today announced the state has witnessed a decrease in the number of weeks unemployed workers claim benefits. The average duration to claim unemployment benefits for 2006 was 14.2 weeks, down from 15.4 in 2005. The national average in 2006 was 15.3 weeks.
“This is the first time since 2000 that Missouri has been one week less than the national average,” said Rod Chapel, director of the Missouri Department of Labor and Industrial Relations. “This is good news for Missouri families and our state’s economy.”
In February 2007, the number of initial unemployment claims filed was 26,719, a slight increase from 25,769 filed in February 2006. The number of weekly unemployment claims filed during the same period rose from 227,386 in 2006 to 252,713. While Missouri experienced an increase in claims for February, the state has seen a decrease in weekly claims filed over the past 12 months. The decrease in weekly claims over the past 12 months was 114,640 or four percent.
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)