OLYMPIA, Wash. — The number of unemployment claims statewide made a big jump in the last week of 2020.
Employment Security says the total number of Washingtonians making claims of all types increased to over 557-thousand for the week ending January 2nd.
That’s an increase of 12% from the week prior.
First time claims were up 54% and are at 201 percent above last year’s weekly new claims applications.
Hardest hit occupations for first time claims were construction and food preparation and serving.