Oconee jobless claims rise by 245

For a second week, first-time unemployment claims made by members of the Oconee workforce have jumped.  This time, the jump is more dramatic than it was one week ago.  According to the figures culled from the state Department of Employment and Workforce, 521 Oconeeans filed first-time claims for the week ended July 18.  That’s 245 more than the week that ended July 11.  But statewide the news was better, as the number of South Carolinians who made first claims for benefits was 14,346–a drop of more than 4,900 from the week before.  Dan Ellzey, department director, said, “The latest initial claims is evidence of a strong South Carolina economy.  This week marks a more significant decrease than we have noted in the last six weeks of initial claims.  In fact,” he said, “it is the lowest number since the pre-pandemic week of March 14….”