This website is best viewed in a browser that supports web standards.

Skip to content or, if you would rather, Skip to navigation.

Listen Live
Donate
MARYVILLE

KXCV-KRNW


News Brief

April 20, 2020Jefferson City, Mo. |  By: AP

Missouri unemployment hits 4.5% amid pandemic

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) - Missouri's unemployment rate is increasing as the effects of coronavirus kick State data released Wednesday show unemployment hit 4.5% in March. That's compared to 3.5% unemployment in February. The hike in joblessness is likely the tip of the iceberg.

Missouri Gov. Mike Parson didn't issue a statewide stay-at-home order until this month, so April unemployment numbers could reflect a much steeper increase in the state's jobless rate.

The state's labor department says it will start processing unemployment claims for self-employed and gig workers as early as next week.