State employment situation seen stabilizing

Tuesday, Feb. 5, 2002 | 11:08 a.m.

Unemployment in Nevada was 68 percent higher in January than a year ago, but appears to be stabilizing.

There were 42,754 people drawing benefits as of Friday, Birgit Baker, director of the state Division of Employment Security, said today. That's about 380 more than the previous week.

She said that during the closing months of 2001, after the Sept. 11 terrorism attacks, the rate was 85 percent higher than a year ago. So it appears to be leveling off, Baker said.

Last week 4,476 new claims were filed, about 122 more than the previous week. Baker said $9.5 million was paid out in unemployment benefits last week.

Baker said the state unemployment benefits fund is strong, though premium payments for employers may have to be raised next November.

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