DES MOINES, Iowa - New weekly jobless numbers for Iowa show a continuing positive trend.
Ongoing claims, which reflects the state's actual unemployment rate, are down for the 5th week in a row.
Ongoing claims are down 10 percent from the week before, and are down 56 percent since peaking in early May.
Overall unemployment is still at a historic high, 8.0 percent for the state, but the new numbers show a continuing positive trend
First time jobless claims rose in Iowa, according figures released Thursday morning by the U.S. Labor Department.
By the numbers, continuing claims are down by 8,490 in the last week, from 92,100 in the previous week to 83,610 in the latest week.
By comparison, ongoing claims peaked in the first week of May at 191,257. The current numbers show a drop of 56 percent from the high mark.
If there's a concerning number is the latest report, it in the numbers for first time claims.
They've increased by from 4,891 to 6,544 in the most recent week. That's a jump of 25 percent.
Unemployment insurance benefit payments totaled $23,465,906.17 for the most recent week,
The following industries had the most claims:
- Manufacturing (1,664)
- Industry Not Available - Self-employed, Independent Contractors, etc. (887)
- Health Care & Social Assistance (608)
- Construction (449)
- Accommodation & Food Services (429)