The latest week’s figure for the federal pandemic claims brought the total number under federal and state programs to 3.11 million last week, down from 3.43 million the prior week. Many states are still reporting zero claims under the federal program.
Total continuing claims under all state and federal programs -- which provides the broadest look at the number of Americans claiming unemployment benefits -- rose to 31 million in the week ended May 9 from 27.3 million. That number isn’t adjusted for seasonality and other factors.
A separate report Thursday showed U.S. orders for durable goods sank sharply for a second month in April as the pandemic wreaked havoc on the manufacturing industry.
State unemployment offices have struggled to keep up with record demand for benefits amid the economy’s sudden stop and wave of layoffs since mid-March. Many applicants have waited on edge for the payments without receiving them.
California, the most populous state, said Wednesday it’s seeking 1,800 additional staff to help process claims, joining about 3,000 current and temporary employees working on the issue. The state said 700 employees worked over the Memorial Day weekend, particularly to process claims that arrived via paper.
The weekly federal report has been marred by data errors and quirks recently, with mistakes from Connecticut and Massachusetts swinging the national figures and California distorting the continuing claims because of the biweekly schedule for residents to file.
This article was provided by Bloomberg News.