Claimed unemployment weeks down in 2006

The department announced Tuesday that the average duration to claim unemployment benefits for 2006 was 14.2 weeks, down from 15.4 weeks in 2005 and below the 2006 national average of 15.3 weeks.

“This is the first time since 2000 that Missouri has been one week less than the national average,” said Missouri DOLIR Director Rod Chapel in a news release. “This is good news for Missouri families and our state’s economy.”

Initial unemployment claims filed in February rose to 26,719 this year from 25,769 in 2006, an increase of 3.7 percent. Weekly claims filed over the past 12 months, however, were down 114,640, or 4 percent, from the previous period.

DOLIR provides unemployment benefits for workers who lose their jobs through no fault of their own. Eligible individuals may qualify for up to 26 weeks of unemployment compensation.[[In-content Ad]]