Continuing Unemployment Claims and Trust Fund Payments Continue to Move Down

Iowa Workforce Development (IWD) announced there were 4,964 initial unemployment claims filed by individuals for the week of Oct. 25-31. Approximately $10.4 million was paid out of the state unemployment trust fund, which is about $900,000 less than the week prior. The number of continuing unemployment claims was 37,290, which is a decrease of 2,535 claims from last week. The top sectors that saw the most initial claims filed included manufacturing (1,227); construction (693); those not identified by industry including the self-employed, independent contractors, etc. (593); and health care and social assistance (441). IWD also reiterated that the work search requirement has been reinstated, which means most claimants seeking unemployment benefits must complete a minimum of two job contacts a week. There are currently 65,000 job openings at www.iowaworks.gov. Read IWD's news release.