For the week ending September 12, initial claims for unemployment insurance in Spokane County dropped to the lowest weekly level since the beginning of the pandemic impacts, with 1,036 new claims (down 3.7% from the week prior). Although regular initial claims have decreased, new Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) claims increased significantly this week. With 440 new claims, this was a 46.7% increase over the week prior, and represents the highest level of new weekly initial PUA claims observed for the last 2.5 months. New Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation (PEUC) claims saw a similar increase this week, with 522 initial claims, a 59.1% increase from the week prior.

With weekly fluctuations more common in initial claims, continued claims are more representative of overall trends. In the week ending September 12, regular continued claims for unemployment decreased to 12,565 in Spokane County, a 3.9% decrease from the prior week. Regular continued claims have steadily decreased since the peak in mid-May, when 36,122 claims were observed. PUA continued claims also decreased 3.8% from the prior week, to 6,152 claims. In contrast, PEUC continued claims have been steadily increasing week over week, and now sit at 2,065 claims, a 3.5% increase from the prior week. These PEUC continued claims indicate a level of long-term unemployed, as these claimants have fully exhausted their regular unemployment claim, and are now on a 13-week emergency extension, authorized by the CARES Act.

The chart below shows the breakdown by industry of regular continued claims for unemployment insurance for the week ending September 12.

New online job postings returned to a pre-pandemic monthly total in August, with 5,021 postings. In a normal economy, Spokane County sees an average of 5,000 new online job postings per month, and the totals of the four prior months have been significantly lower than that. In fact, August 2020’s new online job postings total is 389 more than what was observed in the same month in 2019. In the month of August the top five industries with the most new online job postings were:

Since moving to remote services on March 17th, our campus has served 18,042* customers and 1,460* local businesses. Below is a summary highlighting the achievements of the past few weeks.

Our Talent Solutions Team continues to assist local employers with navigating remote hiring, promoting open positions, enhancing job descriptions and screening processes and assisting with return-to-work resources. Most recently, they partnered with KHQ to host a virtual job fair that had over 500 job-seeker registrations. They are exploring online platforms that can be used for this type of service to meet our customers' needs through the use of new technologies. The team has also provided virtual layoff response presentations for businesses and workers affected by downsizing and closures and stands ready to offer this service should local businesses need assistance. The team continues to keep the Immediate Employment Opportunities web page updated to assist local employers. For more information please visit worksourcespokane.com/employers.

Team WorkSource is thrilled to welcome back the Employment Security Department staff who had been asked to support the Unemployment Insurance division during the peak of layoffs due to the pandemic. The team continues to create short videos for customers, including how to use virtual meeting platforms, tips for teleworking and financial capabilities. While the center is closed it is undergoing some renovations, including a bathroom remodel and new carpets. Career coaches remain available by phone to assist anyone looking for work. Visit worksourcespokane.com or call 509-532-3120. 

The team at the Next Generation Zone continues to provide online career and education services including GED classes, career exploration and job placement. The team is pleased to announce that three more students have earned a GED, and 10 new potential students attended a virtual GED orientation last week. The team is excited to launch a new and improved 21^st Century Academy, which is available to any young person interested in learning more about careers and career development opportunities. They are also thrilled to partner with Better Health Together and others to support equity and access. They are also exploring ideas for best serving their LBGTQ+ students in a truly inclusive space. Visit their newly updated website at nextgenzone.org, or visit their facebook page to see their newest newest leadership video and marketing for an upcoming phlebotomy course. 

The amazing team at the Spokane Resource Center has been working extremely hard to respond to the various needs of the community, including access to rental support, wifi and healthcare. They recently partnered with Career Path Services to serve as an internship host site and are thrilled to have the additional help. They are so thankful to have been selected to offer a rental assistance program through the City of Spokane, and in response they are processing approximately $12,000 in requests each day. They are also extremely appreciative of the city’s willingness to respond to the community’s requested changes to the rental assistance program. Click here to learn more.