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FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: Tammy Cavender (573)
751-7500
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: February 27, 2007
Missouri Below National Average in 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 during the third quarter of 2006 was 14.5 weeks, down from 15.5 in the third quarter of 2005. The national average for the third quarter of 2006 was 15.5 weeks.
“Missouri’s average duration of weeks of unemployment is steadily declining,” said Rod Chapel, director of the Missouri Department of Labor and Industrial Relations. “This indicates the success of many programs initiated under Governor Blunt to assist unemployed workers find jobs faster.”
In January 2007, the number of initial unemployment claims filed was 51,322, an increase from 40,437 filed in January 2006. The number of weekly unemployment claims filed during the same period rose from 276,120 in 2006 to 291,429. While Missouri experienced an increase in claims for January, 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 180,876 or seven 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)