COLLEGE STATION – Texas’ initial unemployment claims decreased for the third straight week to 44,600 the week ending Jan. 30. This brings the total since March 21 to 4.3 million, according to data from the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL).
“The fall in initial claims for the third straight week is likely a sign that layoffs have started to slow following an increase in early January, but they still remain elevated compared to pre-pandemic levels,” said Texas Real Estate Research Center Research Economist Dr. Luis Torres.
The number of Texans who continue to claim unemployment insurance decreased for the second consecutive week to 332,500 the week ending Jan. 23.
“The pandemic continues to be the underlying force moving the labor force, but the downward trend in the number of new COVID-19 cases is an encouraging sign,” said Torres.
The number of laid-off workers receiving benefits through the pandemic unemployment assistance program, which is open to gig workers, freelancers, and self-employed workers who don’t typically receive benefits, increased the week ending Jan. 30.
Last week, new national unemployment claims decreased to 779,000. This brings the 46-week total to 77.2 million.
The Texas Real Estate Research Center has a wealth of economic information online for free.