The number of initial jobless claims fell to its lowest weekly level since the coronavirus shutdowns began in mid-March. But next week’s figures could show another spike.
About 28,500 people filed initial unemployment claims in Oregon last week. That compares to roughly 80,000 new claims in each of the first three weeks following Governor Kate Brown’s executive order that had a sweeping impact on business in the state.
The combined six-week total now exceeds 362,000 lost jobs. The Oregon Employment Department says the greatest number of initial claims continues to come from the hotel and restaurant industry. That’s followed by the health care field, and retail workers.
While last week’s number was lower, the amount of initial jobless claims is expected to jump again next week. That’s because the state is now accepting unemployment claims from self-employed people and so-called “gig economy” workers.
