SALT LAKE CITY — Claims for unemployment insurance benefits are still high in Utah, but are going down slightly, according to data released Thursday by the Utah Department of Workforce Services.
The number of total new claims filed for in the week of December 6-12 was 4,386, down 372 from the week of November 29-December 5. There were 26,442 continued claims filed last week, down almost 700 from the week before.
READ: Claims for unemployment rise again as virus spread increases
A total of $9,659,812 of benefits was paid last week.
“There continues to be national discussions regarding federally-funded unemployment benefit extensions, as the December 26, 2020, expiration date for both the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance and 13-week extended benefits is fast approaching,” said Kevin Burt, Unemployment Insurance Division director for the Utah Department of Workforce Services. “Regardless of the outcome of those discussions, we continue to strongly encourage those receiving unemployment benefits to actively look for work, as Utah’s economy remains resilient and offers a multitude of employment opportunities.”
If your employment has been impacted by COVID-19, you are encouraged to visit the state’s website.