Unemployment Rates in PA Are Down, But Some Are Still Awaiting Benefits

Hi ho, hi ho, it's back to work we go 🏃💼. The latest figures on unemployment in Pennsylvania show another drop, meaning more folks are finding jobs post-pandemic. The PA unemployment rate fell two tenths of a point in March to 4.9%. This drop is in line with national unemployment trends. The current U.S. unemployment rate sits at 3.6%.

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While that's good news, people have massive complaints about the efficiency of the PA unemployment office. 🙈 

Here’s Five Fast Facts on these findings:

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1. 📉 The Right Direction: This time last year, PA unemployment was at 7.1%. The current rate is 2.2% lower.
2. 😎 Business & Pleasure: Payrolls within the professional and business services sectors saw a gain of 7,600. The leisure and hospitality industries added roughly 70,000 jobs over the past year.
3. 😡 Unemployment Snafu: Many people are still waiting for pandemic-related unemployment benefits. Others are experiencing delays due to someone else claiming their money through fraud. 
4. 💁💲 Where's The Money?: A recent investigation into the PA unemployment office revealed the department received $178 million in funding for tech improvements...that never happened.
5. 👀 Isn't It Ironic?: State officials say that the problems with the unemployment office are due to being short-staffed. They currently have 80 positions to fill.
   
   

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🔥Bottom line: It's great that people in PA are getting back to work after such uncertain times. It's not so great that some are still waiting for benefits they needed like..way before yesterday. Fingers crossed the unemployment office is able to fill its empty seats to clear the backlog of claims.

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What are your thoughts on these stats and findings? Let us know by connecting with us on Social Media and be sure to share this newsletter with any friends & coworkers!

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