After decreasing each week since the first week of May, the number of people unemployed in Iowa went up last week. According to Iowa Workforce Development there were 84,248 continuing weekly unemployment claims for the week ending August 22nd. That’s an increase of 1,806 from the previous week. This reporting week also included workers impacted by the derecho. In Linn County, the initial claims went from 411 initial claims to 1,668.

From August 16th to the 22nd unemployment insurance benefit payments totaled $23,295,591.51.

The work search requirement will be reinstated starting September 8th, but this will not be required of those who are receiving Pandemic Unemployment Assistance benefits due to a medical condition or lack of childcare.