WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Labor today announced the availability of $15 million in grants to help address challenges the workforce system faces in training people for good jobs in critical sectors including care, climate resiliency, and hospitality.

In the week ending May 6, the advance figure for seasonally adjusted initial claims was 264,000, an increase of 22,000 from the previous week's unrevised level of 242,000. This is the highest level for initial claims since October 30, 2021 when it was 264,000. The 4-week moving average was 245,250, an increase of 6,000 from the previous week's unrevised average of 239,250. This is the highest level for this average since November 20, 2021 when it was 249,250.

WASHINGTON – As the nation honors their dedication and sacrifice during National Nurses Week, the U.S. Department of Labor today announced the award of more than $78 million in grants to support workforce training programs in 17 states and address staffing challenges nursing professionals face in the care economy.

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Labor today announced an incremental award of more than $2.8 million for the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services to support its continued efforts to provide employment and training services for people in communities affected by the health and economic effects of widespread opioid use, addiction and overdose.

In the week ending April 29, the advance figure for seasonally adjusted initial claims was 242,000, an increase of 13,000 from the previous week's revised level. The previous week's level was revised down by 1,000 from 230,000 to 229,000. The 4-week moving average was 239,250, an increase of 3,500 from the previous week's revised average. The previous week's average was revised down by 250 from 236,000 to 235,750.

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Labor today announced an incremental award of $985,474 to the Washington State Department of Employment Security to support its continued efforts to provide temporary jobs and employment and training services for eligible individuals in Grays Harbor, Lewis, Mason, Pacific and Thurston counties.

WASHINGTON – To continue to expand Registered Apprenticeships, prepare young workers for good quality jobs and strengthen the nation’s workforce to meet industry demands, the U.S. Department of Labor today announced the award of $90 million in grants to 68 organizations in 32 states to provide training and employment services.

WASHINGTON – To help states build systems to prevent and detect future fraud more effectively, the U.S. Department of Labor today announced the availability of up to $200 million in grants funded by the American Rescue Plan Act.

In the week ending April 22, the advance figure for seasonally adjusted initial claims was 230,000, a decrease of 16,000 from the previous week's revised level. The previous week's level was revised up by 1,000 from 245,000 to 246,000. The 4-week moving average was 236,000, a decrease of 4,000 from the previous week's revised average. The previous week's average was revised up by 250 from 239,750 to 240,000.

WASHINGTON – To help identify and address barriers workers face in accessing state unemployment insurance benefits, the U.S. Department of Labor today announced the award of $2,283,000 in American Rescue Plan Act funding to the Hawaii Department of Labor and Industrial Relations.

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Labor today announced an initial grant of $800,000 to the Mississippi Department of Employment Security for cleanup and recovery activities after severe storms, straight-line winds and tornadoes in March 2023 killed 21 people and ravaged towns.

WASHINGTON – To continue to promote equitable access, prevent and detect fraud, and recover fraudulent payments and ensure timely benefits, the U.S. Department of Labor today announced the publication of an Unemployment Insurance Equitable Access toolkit to help states provide all workers with equitable access. The department has engaged in active efforts to help states promote equitable access for all workers, representing the most consistent focus on equitable access in the 90-year history of the UI program.

In the week ending April 15, the advance figure for seasonally adjusted initial claims was 245,000, an increase of 5,000 from the previous week's revised level. The previous week's level was revised up by 1,000 from 239,000 to 240,000. The 4-week moving average was 239,750, a decrease of 500 from the previous week's revised average. The previous week's average was revised up by 250 from 240,000 to 240,250.

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Labor today announced an incremental award of $90,188 to the Massachusetts Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development to provide continued reemployment and training services to people in the Lower Merrimack Valley affected by manufacturing industry layoffs. 

WASHINGTON - To continue its support of the Biden-Harris administration’s historic infrastructure, manufacturing and clean energy investments, the U.S.

WASHINGTON – To help workers access new, high-quality career opportunities in rural communities, the U.S. Department of Labor today announced the availability of $44.2 million in funding in Workforce Opportunity for Rural Communities initiative demonstration grants.

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Labor today announced the initial award of a $7,469,452 grant to California for cleanup and recovery activities after severe winter storms in December and January caused flooding and extensive waterway damage.

In the week ending April 8, the advance figure for seasonally adjusted initial claims was 239,000, an increase of 11,000 from the previous week's unrevised level of 228,000. The 4-week moving average was 240,000, an increase of 2,250 from the previous week's unrevised average of 237,750.

In the week ending April 1, the advance figure for seasonally adjusted initial claims was 228,000, a decrease of 18,000 from the previous week's revised level. The previous week's level was revised up by 48,000 from 198,000 to 246,000. The 4-week moving average was 237,750, a decrease of 4,250 from the previous week's revised average. The previous week's average was revised up by 43,750 from 198,250 to 242,000.

WASHINGTON – To maximize the impact of the Biden-Harris administration’s historic infrastructure, manufacturing and clean energy investments, the U.S. Department of Labor today announced the availability of $80 million in funding through its Building Pathways to Infrastructure Jobs Grant Program.

First Lady Dr. Jill Biden will highlight the announcement during her travel this week as part of the administration’s “Investing in America” tour.