S.C. unemployment claims approach half a million

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More than 32,000 S.C. residents filed unemployment claims for the week ending May 9, bringing the total of claims in the last eight weeks to 486,149.

Initial claims filed from May 3 to May 9 totaled 32,513, a decrease of 14,234 from the previous week, according to S.C. Department of Employment and Workforce numbers.

The numbers marked the fourth consecutive week of a drop in state unemployment claims.

“This four-week trend correlates with the gradual transition from pronounced unemployment to a portion of the population reporting back to work as the governor reengages the state’s businesses,” Dan Ellzey, DEW executive director, said in a new release. “At the same time, our agency is continuing to process claims to make sure all eligible individuals receive payments, back-dated appropriately.

“As South Carolinians begin to return to work, we know most will be ready to get back to the long-term stability of employment, but we also understand that some individuals may face challenges. We will support employers and employees through this process of reemployment, which is key to the state’s economic recovery.”

DEW said it has paid more than $1.09 billion in state and federal unemployment benefits from March 15 to May 12.

For the week ending May 9, Greenville County saw 3,494 claims filed, while Horry County saw 2,694. Charleston County had 2,671, Richland County 2,583, Spartanburg County 2,546 and Lexington County 1,442.