Colorado Releases New Unemployment Numbers

The Colorado Department of Labor and Employment announced there were 28,164 initial regular unemployment claims and 13,149 pandemic unemployment assistance (PUA) claims filed the week ending May 2.

Over the past seven weeks, a total of 419,547 claims, including PUA, were filed.

Top 5 industries with highest claims:

• Accommodation and Food Services: 5,283
• Retail Trade: 5,092
• Healthcare and Social Service: 3,775
• Administrative and Support and Waste Management and Remediation Services (This includes temporary help services, telemarketing centers, janitorial and landscaping services, etc.): 1,907
• Arts, Entertainment and Recreation: 1,819

Benefits paid: Regular Unemployment Insurance (UI)

• Week ending May 2: $84.8 Million
• Week ending April 25: $86.1 Million
• Week ending April 18: $74.1 Million
• Week ending April 11: $62.0 Million
• Week ending April 4: $29.8 Million

Recession comparison of regular UI benefits paid

According to the CDLE, during the height of the Great Recession (2009-10), $19 million in regular UI benefits were paid out on an average weekly basis. The agency reported that $102.8 million in benefits were paid out in May 2009, the previous highest monthly total on record. Approximately $315 in regular UI benefits were paid out in April 2020.

Don't miss the latest news updates in Colorado. Sign up for free Patch news alerts and newsletters for what you need to know daily.