Unemployment Down Across State, Less Dramatic in Chelan/Douglas Counties

First-time unemployment claims were down 27% while total claims were down nearly 5% last week in Washington according to the Employment Security Department.

Chelan County saw a minor drop in initial claims, down about 30.

Douglas County was practically flat, down just six.

Grant County saw a more dramatic decline with 130 fewer first timers week over week.

ESD Commissioner Suzi Levine says the number of initial claims is 535% higher than the same week in 2019.