Clark County jobless claims fall, but more slowly

Unemployment insurance claims in Clark County continued a downward trend last week, but the rate of decline is slowing.

Initial regular claims in the county fell from 978 to 891, down 9 percent from the week before, and continued regular claims fell from 9,935 to 9,747, down 1.9 percent, according to the Washington Employment Security Department.

“It’s the same story,” said Scott Bailey, regional economist for Southwest Washington. “Claims are moving down but at a slower pace.”

While school districts in Clark County continue to cut staff positions, the initial claims aren’t yet reflected in the statistics. Last week, initial claims in the education sector dropped from 171 to 138.

“There may be some movement in and out that we don’t see,” said Bailey.

However, continued claims in the education sector are increasing. Last week had 874 continued claims in education, up from 784 the week prior and 692 the week before that.

On Tuesday, the county’s employment rate will be released for the month of August.

Statewide, initial regular unemployment claims fell by 8 percent last week. But total claims for all unemployment categories increased by 6.6 percent, according to the Employment Security Department.