Unemployment claims hit lowest monthly total since 1999

September’s initial claims for unemployment insurance hit their lowest monthly total since May 1999.

New claims totaled just 9,358 for the month. On a year-over-year basis, Nevada has now seen 18 months of consecutive decreases in the number of people seeking help.

Bill Anderson, chief economist for the Department of Employment Training and Rehabilitation, said that is reflective of a healthy labor market in Nevada.

“Initial claims levels weren’t even this low during the state’s robust economic period form 2004-2006,” he said.

Anderson said the trend isn’t unique to Nevada either, that the national rate of initial claims is at its lowest level since 1973.

In addition, he said the average amount of time a person stays on unemployment is down to 14 weeks, 12 weeks under the maximum time benefits are available.