Oconee jobless claims head in the right direction

“We are happy to report the sharp decrease in initial claims filed last week.”  That is from a statement today from Dan Ellzey, director of the South Carolina Department of Employment and Workforce.  The total statewide number of first-time claims for the week ended August 22 was 5,524.  That’s the lowest number for a week since the pandemic started in the middle of March.  The latest numbers also reflect a decrease in claims filed from Oconee.  For the the week ended August 22, Oconee’s total first-time claims numbered 82.  That’s 16 fewer than the week before.