Skagit County unemployment claims rise dramatically

SKAGIT COUNTY, Wash. — The number of Skagit County residents filing first-time unemployment benefits claims rose dramatically last week.

According to data released by the Economic Security Department during the week of November 15 – 21, county residents filed 576 first-time claims, up 105% from the previous week.

First-time claims statewide were up nearly 80% from the previous week.

ESD has paid out more than $12.5 billion in benefits to over 1 million Washingtonians.