Iowa Workforce Development has seen more than 100,000 unemployment claims in the last two weeks, but everyone who has been laid off or lost their job might not have filed. IWD deputy director, Ryan West, encourages anyone impacted by COVID-19 to file. "You don't want to delay -- you want to get … [Read more...]
State unemployment filings continue to skyrocket
Iowa saw a record number of people file for unemployment as the coronavirus pandemic continues. Iowa Workforce Development reports there were 58,435 COVID-19 unemployment claims filed between March 22 and 28th. More than 12,000 of those claims came in the food, hotel, and related services area. … [Read more...]
Iowa Business Council survey sees drop in wake of coronavirus
A quarterly survey of the state's largest businesses released today predictably plummeted after months of positive news. Iowa Business Council executive director, Joe Murphy, says their overall economic outlook index fell to 37.5. "At the end of 2019, we were at just over 60 for our score for … [Read more...]
State updates rules for coronavirus unemployment claims
Iowa Workforce Development has updated its leave policy for filing unemployment benefits following the enactment of the federal coronavirus relief bill. Iowa Workforce Development says employees who are or will be laid off or are unable to work for reasons related to COVID-19, will no longer be … [Read more...]
State officials tout federal help for self-employed
The state grant program unveiled this week for many small businesses is not available to Iowans who work alone, as the only employee in their business. Iowa Workforce Development Authority director Beth Townsend says new federal benefits will be available. "The stimulus bill would provide … [Read more...]
Nearly 42,000 Iowans filed for unemployment last week
State officials this morning revealed nearly 42,000 Iowans filed unemployment claims last week. Beth Townsend, the director of the Iowa Workforce Development agency warned last Friday that the number of claims has been "staggering." "We are doing our very best to ensure most people will … [Read more...]
Unemployment pay will be available for workers impacted by coronavirus shut downs
The governor has issued an emergency order that will shut down many businesses as the coronavirus pandemic unfolds in Iowa. Iowa Workforce Development attorney, Nick Olivencia, says those employees can get state help. "Anyone that is being laid off temporarily is going to be eligible for … [Read more...]
Unemployment rate holds steady in January
Iowa’s unemployment rate was unchanged in January. The rate held at 2.8% -- the same rate in December. December had seen a slight increase in the rate when compared to November. The number of unemployed increased by 200 in January to 49,500. The total number of working Iowans increased by 600 … [Read more...]
State surveying Iowa manufacturers, results in October
State officials have commissioned a survey of Iowa manufacturers to evaluate industry trends. Iowa Economic Development Authority director Debi Durham says the results will likely help reconfigure state incentives as well as re-training programs. "We always think of digitalization and … [Read more...]
Nestle and Timken in Clinton win state incentives for 157 jobs
The Iowa Economic Development Authority Board today approved tax incentives for two Clinton companies which promise to create 157 jobs. IEDA spokesperson, Jessica O'Riley, says tax incentives were approved for the Nestleè Purina plant which has produced dog and cat food in Clinton since 1969. … [Read more...]