Mass Unemployment Still Rising, But Not As Quickly

By JULIE CUNNINGHAM

(Boston, MA) Unemployment claims in Massachusetts are still rising, although the rate is slowing slightly. From April 26-May 2, unemployment claims rose by 55,223 for a total of 777,232 claims filed. There are 556,272 continued standard unemployment claims. Customer Service at the Department of Unemployment Assistance has increased to 1,300 and makes 25,000 individual contacts per day. A total of 185,000 claimants have filed for Pandemic Unemployment Assistance.