COLUMBUS – The number of initial filings for unemployment benefits in Ohio ticked upward last week, evidence of the challenges of maintaining the momentum of the economic recovery.
The state reports that 10,900 Ohioans filed first-time claims for jobless benefits during the week that ended July 3, a 4% increase over the week before. That figure is considered a reflection of the pace of layoffs.
The number of workers filing continued claims for traditional benefits declined 4% while the total number filing for traditional benefits and Pandemic Unemployment Assistance benefits dropped 3.4% to 434,083, according to the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services.
The number of Americans filing for unemployment benefits increased by 2,000 from the previous week to 373,000.
The rollout of vaccinations is driving a potent economic recovery as businesses reopen, employers struggle to fill jobs and consumers emerge from months of lockdown to travel, shop and spend at restaurants, bars, retailers and entertainment venues.