Jobless claims dip again
First-time filings fall below 4,000 for the first time since the pandemic
While some states last week saw an increase in first-time jobless claims, initial claims in Oklahoma declined 22% from the previous week, according to a government report.
The U. S. Department of Labor reported that first-time jobless claims in Oklahoma dropped from a revised, not seasonably adjusted, 4,953 claims the week ending Oct. 31 to 3,858 claims the following week.
Last week also marked the first time since the COVID-19 pandemic hit the state in midMarch that initials claims for a week were below 4,000.
Initial claims for unemployment benefits are still more than double the number who filed prior to the pandemic taking root here.
Twenty-one states posted increases in initial claims last week compared to the prior week, while nationwide first-time claims declined by 20,799 to 723,105.
Likewise, the number of claimants receiving continuing benefits in the state declined from a revised 59,138 the week ending Oct. 24, to 50,115 claims the following week.
The 59,138 receiving regular jobless benefits the week ending Oct. 24, works out to a 3.8% unemployment rate in the state, according to the Labor Department.
The Oklahoma Employment Security Commission said in a written statement that continued claims on a four-week moving average also declined for the 20th consecutive week.
Meanwhile, the number of first- time claims for the federal temporary Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) increased from 601 the week ending Oct. 31 to 606 claims the following week.
Continuing PUA claims decreased by 2,924 to 8,251 for the week ending Oct. 24.
The agency officials also promoted its use of facial recognition technology to reduce fraud claims.
Beginning Thursday, individuals filing weekly jobless benefit claims must verify their identity with the OESC.
“I'm thrilled to have this technology and service to help us fight fraudulent activity before it even occurs,” Executive Director Shelley Zumwalt said. “Without verification, claimants will not be able to claim unemployment benefits. In addition, Digital ID verification will happen every 90 days, so the sooner claimants can get used to the process, the easier it will be for future attempts.”