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MISSOURI DEPARTMENT OF LABOR AND INDUSTRIAL RELATIONS
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: Tammy Cavender (573)
751-7500
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: August 25, 2005
UNEMPLOYMENT CLAIMS DOWN FROM LAST YEAR
JEFFERSON CITY, MO – Fewer Missourians are filing both initial and continued unemployment insurance claims, according to the Missouri Department of Labor and Industrial Relations’ Division of Employment Security. In July 2005, continued unemployment claims declined from 247,809 in July 2004 to 214,930, a decrease of 13.3 percent. For the same period, 37,708 initial claims were filed, down 6.8 percent from last year’s figure of 40,456.
“These unemployment claims figures are encouraging and indicate Missouri’s economy is growing,” said Tom Deuschle, director of the Missouri Department of Labor.
Over 40,000 jobs were added in Missouri since January 2005, with manufacturing adding 5,400 jobs and construction adding 1,200 jobs. The unemployment rate for July 2005 was 5.6 percent, down from 6 percent in January 2005. “As a result of Governor Blunt’s economic and job growth initiatives more Missourians are working today compared to a year ago,” stated Deuschle.
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 by phone or via the Internet at www.ui.dolir.state.mo.us.
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Information and Planning · 3315 W. Truman
Blvd.
· P.O. Box 1958 · Jefferson City, MO
65102-1958
573-751-7500 · 573-751-6552 (Fax)
Relay Missouri: 1-800-735-2966 (TDD) 1-800-735-2466 (Voice)