Pierce County unemployment claims up substantially during coronavirus outbreak
Unemployment claims across the state have increased dramatically in March, according to Washington’s Employment Security Department.
The most recent numbers available from the week of March 8 show Washingtonians filed 14,154 new claims for unemployment benefits, nearly doubling the 7,606 claims filed the previous week. Those 34 or younger represented the largest group of workers filing new claims, the department said.
“Already this week, we have seen the daily rate of new claims coming in at levels that are similar to the highest weeks of the 2008-2009 recession,” Employment Security Department Commissioner Suzi LeVine said in a statement on Friday.
For Pierce County, there has been a 64.11 percent change in unemployment filings.
The county was hit the second hardest after King County, with 1,559 residents filing for unemployment the week of March 8, according to data provided by ESD.
The county’s hospitality industry has been hit the hardest, Jeff Vleming with ESD said. He expects this week’s data to show the biggest disparity.
“The largest increase is yet to come,” Vleming said.
Last week, Gov. Jay Inslee called for all social and recreational businesses to close due to the coronavirus pandemic. Thousands of workers have been laid off or furloughed.
Inslee has waived the waiting period for those who have filed for unemployment benefits to start receiving help.
The Small Business Administration is now offering disaster assistance for small businesses. The declaration allows small businesses to apply for low-interest loans of up to $2 million.
To apply for unemployment benefits, click here.
Statewide unemployment claims percentage change by industry
▪ Accommodation and Food Services Sector: 597.3 percent
▪ Educational Services: 569.5 percent
▪ Arts, Entertainment and Recreation: 255.8 percent
▪ Real Estate, Rental and Leasing: 147.5 percent
▪ Other Services: 114.5 percent
▪ Healthcare and social assistance: 89.4 percent
▪ Transportation & warehousing: 77.3 percent
▪ Mining: 71.4 percent
▪ Information: 67.2 percent
▪ Utilities: 63.6 percent
▪ Administrative and waste management services: 58 percent
▪ Retail Trade: 47.4 percent
▪ Public Administration: 45.3 percent
▪ Manufacturing: 29.6 percent
▪ Wholesale Trade: 29.5 percent
▪ Professional, scientific and technical service: 22.8 percent
▪ Construction: 12.3 percent
▪ Agriculture, forestry, fishing, and hunting: 2 percent
▪ Finance and Insurance: 0 percent
▪ Management of companies and enterprises: -21.4 percent
