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MISSOURI DEPARTMENT OF LABOR AND INDUSTRIAL RELATIONS
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: Tammy Cavender (573)
751-7500
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 29, 2006
Fewer Weekly Unemployment Benefit Claims Filed
Jefferson City – The Missouri Department of Labor and Industrial Relations today announced that fewer Missourians are filing weekly unemployment benefit claims compared to the same period last year.
In February 2006, the number of continued (weekly) unemployment claims filed declined from 268,295 in 2005 to 227,386, a decrease of 15 percent. The number of initial unemployment claims filed during the same period slightly rose from 24,508 in 2005 to 25,769, an increase of 5 percent. Over the past 12 months, the number of initial unemployment claims decreased from 433,002 to 392,175, or 9 percent. The number of continued unemployment claims dropped 15 percent, from 3,324,381 to 2,821,898.
“The number of unemployment claims filed has decreased substantially over the last twelve months,” said Katharine Barondeau, acting director of the Missouri Department of Labor and Industrial Relations. “This is good news for Missouri families and our state’s economy.”
Missouri’s economy has steadily improved over the past year and the creation of 32,500 new jobs has had a positive impact on the number of unemployment claims filed. Gov. Blunt’s pro jobs, pro growth policies have significantly contributed toward the state’s economic growth over the last 12 months. Blunt supported significant tort and workers’ compensation reforms during last year’s legislative session. These reforms made a positive impact on the business climate in Missouri. Missouri Employers Mutual, the largest provider of workers’ compensation in the state, reduced its 2006 rates due in part to the anticipated positive impact of the worker’s compensation law changes.
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 at (800) 320-2519 or via the Internet at www.ui.dolir.state.mo.us.
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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)