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Unemployment applications soar nationally and in Illinois

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Illinois

* Sorry for coming a day late to this. Busy week. ABC News…

The number of people seeking unemployment aid soared last week to 965,000, the most since late August and a sign that the resurgent virus has likely escalated layoffs.

The latest figures for jobless claims, issued Thursday by the Labor Department, remain at levels never seen until the virus struck. Before the pandemic, weekly applications typically numbered around 225,000. They spiked to nearly 7 million last spring, after nationwide shutdowns took effect. Applications declined over the summer but have been stuck above 700,000 since September.

The high pace of layoffs coincides with an economy that has faltered as consumers have avoided traveling, shopping and eating out in the face of soaring viral caseloads. More than 4,300 deaths were reported Tuesday, another record high. Shutdowns of restaurants, bars and other venues where people gather in California, New York and other states have likely forced up layoffs. […]

Economists say that once coronavirus vaccines are more widely distributed, a broader recovery should take hold in the second half of the year. The incoming Biden administration, along with a now fully Democratic-led House and Senate, is also expected to push more rescue aid and spending measures that could accelerate growth.

* CBS 2…

The Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES) reported 94,944 new unemployment claims were filed during the week of Jan. 4 in Illinois, a 109% increase from the week before.

For comparison, during the same timeframe last year, 12,703 people filed claims in Illinois. That’s a 647% increase. […]

There were 45,387 new unemployment claims were filed during the week of Dec. 27 in Illinois.

There were 110,486 claims filed in Illinois the week of Dec. 20.

posted by Rich Miller
Friday, Jan 15, 21 @ 2:48 pm

Comments

Any estimates on what percentage of claims might be fraudulent? Fraud is a nationwide problem, and some states are targeted more than others

Comment by Worker bee Friday, Jan 15, 21 @ 2:55 pm
Can they tell if an applicant is filing a fraudulent application?

Comment by Mama Friday, Jan 15, 21 @ 2:56 pm
From Coalition on Human Needs -

156,000

The number of women who lost their jobs in December. Men gained 16,000 jobs that same month. The economy shed 140,000 jobs overall, meaning that the net number of jobs lost were held entirely by women. They were overwhelmingly women of color.

Comment by MickJ Friday, Jan 15, 21 @ 2:57 pm
Just had 2 more fraudulent claims in my office. JB has been aware of the rampant fraud for 5 plus months - he finally brought in the FBI/IRS last week. Fix this.

Comment by Donnie Elgin Friday, Jan 15, 21 @ 3:07 pm
Have heard from several friends in other departments and other co-workers that they’ve had fraudulent claims submitted on their behalf. These numbers are typically good indicators of economic health; it really does make you wonder what percentage of claims are fraudulent.

Comment by Chambanalyst Friday, Jan 15, 21 @ 3:14 pm
Are you people actually blaming this on fraud? We closed restaurants and bars (theaters, bowling alleys, etc) on and off for almost 10 months. Never have they been at full capacity since. There may be some fraud, as there always has been, but this is part of an economy that is stifled to say the least.

Comment by LkBrightSideofLlife Friday, Jan 15, 21 @ 3:17 pm
I would be surprised if it is due to a fraud surge. There are so many local restaurants near me that announced they were either permanently or temporarily shutting down after the holidays. The ones that did not close for good said they hoped to reopen when indoor dining was allowed again.

Comment by hisgirlfriday Friday, Jan 15, 21 @ 3:23 pm
- LkBrightSideofLlife - Friday, Jan 15, 21 @ 3:17 pm:

A lot is fraud. They filed at least twice in my name and I know many co-workers, friends, and some family who have also had this fraud against them.

You should count your lucky stars that it hasn’t happened to you. It is a very important question that we need to know what percentage is fraud

Comment by Jason Friday, Jan 15, 21 @ 3:33 pm
Got notified a couple of days ago from HR that my info was used to fraudulently make an unemployment claim. Add my name to the growing list.

Comment by EssentialWorkingMom Friday, Jan 15, 21 @ 4:14 pm
May I suggest you post the song and call it a week Rich. You deserve it. You did a great job this week. thanks for the great coverage.

I suggest “Goodbye Stranger by Super Tramp” as the end song in tribute to Madigan.

Comment by Gravy Bond Friday, Jan 15, 21 @ 4:16 pm