MO Unemployment Skyrockets

The number of Missourians filing for unemployment has escalated this month, taking a toll on the state’s workforce due to the Coronavirus.

“In just the past week, the Missouri Department of Labor and Industrial Relations, has received nearly 30% of the total number of unemployment claims filed in 2019,” says Governor Mike Parson.

State Labor data shows that Missouri had a total of about 180,000 claims filed last year. The state has added staff to respond to the increase and is actively monitoring the web-based system 24/7.

Missouri Department of Labor and Industrial Relations Director Anna Hui says that number will continue to climb during the pandemic.

“We expect these numbers to continue to grow in terms of the weekly claims,” says Hui. “But please know we are actively monitoring the web-based system 24/7. We have added capacity. We have added staff.”

Hui says the most efficient way to file an unemployment claim is on the Missouri Department of Labor and Industrial Relations website.

If you or someone you know is seeking steady employment, multiple Four State area businesses are looking for good people right now and offering paid time off, health insurance and other benefits. Here’s a sample of the many open positions in our community.