NJ Expects 4K More Layoffs As New Unemployment Figures Released

NEW JERSEY — New unemployment claims have dropped below 10,000 for the first time since the coronavirus pandemic began a year ago, the New Jersey Department of Labor announced on Thursday. It was also the fourth straight week that there was a decline in new unemployment claims.

However, WARN notices filed through the state Department of Labor and Workforce Development indicate that more than 4,000 layoffs are expected to take place over the next three months, according to numbers posted on the state’s website (see the list of layoffs below).

WARN notices are required, by law, to be filed by companies planning mass layoffs or facility closings.

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The filings continue a trend: In January and February, 4,744 WARN notices were issued to New Jersey workers, compared to 1,134 notices filed over the same period last year, according to numbers posted on the state’s website.

Over the past year, there has been what the labor department called an “unprecedented” 2,044,177 claims filed in the state. The department has sent $23.9 billion to workers in need during the pandemic. The average claimant has received more than $16,000 in benefits, according to officials.

But the decline in new unemployment claims and the passage of the $1.9 trillion COVID-19 relief bill, which includes $10.189 billion in direct aid to the Garden State, appear to be reasons for optimism.

For the week ending March 6, the New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development reported 9,840 new unemployment claims – 544 fewer than the prior week. The 5 percent decrease comes after a 3.5 percent drop recorded one week earlier.

“It’s a welcome sign to see new unemployment claims fall back to a level not seen since COVID-19 ravaged our workforce,” New Jersey Labor Commissioner Robert Asaro-Angelo said. “But, it would be a mistake to think the workforce has rebounded. Too many workers are still reeling from the pandemic, and they are anxiously awaiting a new rescue package from Congress.”

Now that the American Rescue Plan has been signed into law before current federal benefits expire on Saturday, most New Jersey claimants should transition seamlessly to extended benefits, state officials said.

Here is the list of layoffs and their scheduled dates:

• United Airlines, Inc., Newark. April 1, 2021: 3,899
• GEODIS, Monroe Township. May 18, 2021: 363
• Saddle Brook Marriott, Saddle Brook. June 30, 2021: 67
• The Hain Celestial Group, Inc, Moonachie. April 24, 2021: 143

Here is a look at the number of new unemployment claims received by the department each week: