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Initial Unemployment Claim Numbers Hold Steady, But Still Larger Than Usual

Initial Unemployment Claim Numbers Hold Steady, But Still Larger Than Usual
Initial Unemployment Claim Numbers Hold Steady, But Still Larger Than Usual

After six weeks of steep declines, the number of people filing new claims for unemployment benefits in Indiana remained largely unchanged last week. That’s based on data released Thursday by the Department of Labor.

Last week, 30,311 Hoosiers applied for unemployment benefits. It’s only about 400 fewer people than the week before when 30,691 Hoosiers started claims.

That’s in contrast to previous weeks when the number of people applying for benefits dropped by more than 10,000. 

READ MORE: Indiana Moves Early To Next Reopening Stage; Gatherings Of 100 Allowed

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Experts say that even though many workplaces are being allowed to reopen, there’s still a significant drop in economic demand due to COVID-19. That might be exacerbated by new layoffs as paycheck protection loans run out for some businesses. 

Contact Justin at  jhicks@wvpe.org or follow him on Twitter at @Hicks_JustinM.

Justin Hicks is a workforce reporter for IPB News based at WVPE in Elkhart. He comes to Indiana by way of New York. He has a master's degree from the Arthur L. Carter Journalism Institute at New York University and earned a Bachelor of Music Degree from Appalachian State University where he played trumpet. He first learned about Elkhart, Indiana, because of the stamp on his brass instrument indicating where it was produced. Justin was born and raised in Mt. Olive, North Carolina. He currently lives in South Bend with his dog, Charlotte.
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