SALT LAKE CITY — The number of new people filing for jobless benefits fell 13% this past week, the seventh consecutive weekly drop in applicants as more businesses reopen.
The number of new claims in Utah was 5,455 for last week, part of 97,570 weekly claims filed.
While claims are on the decline, the number of people seeking unemployment benefits is still at historic levels.
The Department of Workforce Services reported that more than $26 million was paid in traditional unemployment benefits with an additional $49 million disbursed through the federal stimulus program that gives $600 to claimants. Another $760,779 went to people who qualify for the federally funded extended benefit payments.
Total money provided to help the unemployed in Utah last week was nearly $76 million, the agency reported.
The report showed that 2,278 new Pandemic Unemployment Assistance claims were also submitted. The program is available to those who are eligible for the state unemployment benefit, primarily those who are self-employed or gig (economy) workers.
“That application volume is also down for four consecutive weeks. However, the number of benefits paid — that $8.1 million — is actually up for five consecutive weeks,” said Unemployment Insurance Division Director Kevin Burt.
“What that is showing is that the demand is dropping, but we are starting to get better and better at processing those benefits.”
The volume is still at historic levels, he noted.
“We have now received the same amount of claims in the last 10 weeks that were filed over the previous three years, while successfully standing up all the federal stimulus benefits made available by the (Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security) Act,” he said.
The industries that saw the highest percentage of claims this week were office and administrative support at 15%, sales and related occupations at 9%, and management at 8.7%. The counties in Utah that had the highest number of individuals file new unemployment insurance claims were Salt Lake County at 40%, Utah County 15%, Davis County at 8.4%, Weber County at 7.7% and Washington County at 3.5%.
Meanwhile, new research conducted by Salt Lake County could offer a possible glimpse into of the local employment situation going forward.
A study on the “Future of Jobs” was conducted last year using in-person interviews and local focus groups that resulted in reports about workers and jobs in an automated economy and a second report about employee values and satisfaction.
The first report investigated the impact that automation would have on numerous industries in Salt Lake County where compiled data indicates a need to move to new in-demand employment options, according to a news release. The information could especially be vital as leaders develop long-range plans to form a more durable economy for a post-COVID Utah.
The research showed that 33,400 Salt Lake County jobs are at 98% to 99% risk of becoming obsolete because of automation. The report also offers 11 policy recommendations to mitigate the expected employment loss.
“When we undertook this research, we were looking to improve the lives of residents and help local businesses,” said Salt Lake County economic development director Blake Thomas. “In light of the current crises, this research is even more important to help guide decision-makers toward solutions that ensure the health, safety and economic security of our residents in a post-coronavirus economy.”
The employee values report focused on steps employers could take beyond wages and benefits that would positively affect worker satisfaction and increase retention. Among the top findings were responses from all focus groups strongly highlighting the importance of an uplifting company “culture,” followed closely by workplace flexibility.
“When combined with supportive company policies and sufficient resources, participants were willing and excited to demand a great deal of themselves to produce work they could be proud of,” the report states.
This could not be more apparent after witnessing the pulling together of the workforce and community support during the past three months with COVID-19.
Among the most valued attributes were the aforementioned flexibility, a supportive company culture, individual respect and workplace collaboration — each of which contributed greatly to employee retention. The report noted that though workers frequently applied for positions based on salary or job title, they were more likely to remain on a job that includes flexibility, creativity or autonomy.
“These findings point to ways businesses can help their employees feel valued and appreciated, which in the context of the current health and economic crises where jobs essential to the functioning of society have been highlighted, may be more important than ever,” said Ruedigar Matthes, Salt Lake County economic development manager.
“The research provides salient points of conversation on how to create a more resilient community that benefits everyone.”