Iowa’s continuing weekly unemployment has fallen below 40,000 people. According to Iowa Workforce Development, in the week ending October 24th, there were 39,615 continuing weekly unemployment claims, a decrease of nearly 2,500 from the previous week. From October 18th to the 24th there were 4,791 initial claims of unemployment.

IWD advises that November and December traditionally see an increase in unemployment claims as the weather cools off and harvest comes to an end, causing less work in construction, landscaping, and agriculture. IWD officials state it is unclear if there will be fewer manufacturing jobs than in years past with slower production schedules.

Industries with the most unemployment claims for the week ending October 24th were manufacturing (912), self-employed or independent contractors (729), construction (587), healthcare and social assistance (435), and accommodation and food services (284).