Benefits Extended As State Unemployment Numbers Rise
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The number of jobless New Yorkers across the state jumped significantly during the month of June, according to state Department of Labor statistics released Thursday.
The unemployment rate increased from 8.2 percent in May to 8.7 percent in June. That's the highest level since October of 1992.
In New York City, the rate increased from nine percent in May to 9.5 percent in June -- the highest level in more than a decade. That translates into more than 850,000 people out of work in the state.
According to the data, pink slips have been flying in many sectors of the economy with manufacturing, business services and retail among the hardest hit.
On the flip side, education and health services showed increases in jobs for workers who perform health care, social assistance or work in education.
"Because of our 8.7 percent unemployment rate, we will qualify for an additional seven weeks of unemployment insurance benefits," said New York State Labor Commissioner M. Patricia Smith. "So right now New Yorkers will be eligible for 79 weeks of unemployment insurance benefits."
Unemployment benefit extensions are expected to help an additional 47,000 jobless New Yorkers who would have lost their benefits in August.