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FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: Cynthia Quetsch (573)
751-7500
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: December 22, 2006
Missouri Unemployment Claims Follow Seasonal Pattern
Jefferson City, MO – The Missouri Department of Labor and Industrial Relations today announced a slight increase in the number of initial unemployment benefit claims filed compared to the same period last year.
In November 2006, the number of initial unemployment claims filed was 32,007, a slight increase of 792 over the number of claims filed in November 2005. The number of weekly unemployment claims filed during the same period declined from 183,649 in 2005 to 163,534, a decrease of 20,115 claims. While Missouri experienced an increase in the number of initial claims filed for November, the state has seen a decrease in initial and weekly claims filed over the past 12 months. The decrease in initial claims was 12,106 or three percent, while the reduction in weekly claims was 261,492 or 10 percent.
“This data reflects normal seasonal patterns for this time of year,” said Rod Chapel, director of the Missouri Department of Labor and Industrial Relations. “Inclement weather creates 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)