Almost 12k more Utahns file for unemployment.

SALT LAKE CITY — 11,830 more Utahns filed for first-time unemployment benefits last week according to the Utah Department of Workforce Services.

Division director Kevin Burt says that while this is a high number, it is a decrease from weeks past.

“A decreasing trend in new unemployment insurance claims continued this week though still at a record high compared to pre-pandemic volumes,” Burt said in a release.

 “We are encouraged and hopeful to hear from both employers and employees who are returning to work as restrictions begin lifting and assistance like PPP loans are available for employers.”

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30 million have sought US jobless aid since virus hit

Utah unemployment down for the week

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The trend for new filings has been down in recent weeks with the 19,751 new filings over the week of April 12-18 and 24,171 filings over the week of April 5-11.

The DWS reports that the hardest-hit industries this week were in Office and Administrative Support (14%), Sales and Related Occupations (10.5%) and Food Preparation and Serving (9%).

Salt Lake County saw the majority of new claimants accounting for 39.3%, followed by Utah County (14.3%), Davis County 8.6%, Weber County (7.8%) and Washington County (3.7%).

This story is breaking and will be updated 

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