Employment

National jobless claims drop following two-week rise

In the week ending November 28, the advance figure for seasonally adjusted initial claims was 712,000, a decrease of 75,000 from the previous week's revised level. The previous week's level was revised up by 9,000 from 778,000 to 787,000. The… more

Missouri to provide fill-in medical staff at hospitals

More help is on the way to Missouri hospitals. Overall, Missouri does not have a hospital bed shortage, it has a medical staffing shortage. The state is cutting a deal, bringing in about 760 more hospital staffers for the next… more

Labor market takes hit as jobless claims rise sharply

The labor market took a hit the week ending Nov. 21, first-time jobless claims rising from the prior week and above economist's expectations. Seasonally adjusted data shows initial claims reeled in 778,000, an increase of 30,000 from the previous week's revised… more

Kansas October jobs rise, unemployment rate dips

Work force data from Kansas shows that for the month of October, the state made gradual improvement from the month prior with an increase in available jobs and a decrease in the unemployment rate from the month prior. Preliminary estimates… more

Kansas small businesses receive CARES Act boost

Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly announced $38.5 million in CARES Act funding for small businesses and to slow the spread of COVID-19 on Friday. The funding was approved by the State Finance Council. Of the total, $20 million will be available… more

Rural Mainstreet Index displays first drop since April

This month, the overall Rural Mainstreet Index (RMI) witnessed a drop – the first in months since April 2020. A Thursday report released by Creighton University’s Heider College of Business broke down the report for each of the 10 states… more

Missouri department recommends rate increase for workers’ compensation

The Missouri Department of Commerce and Insurance is recommending a 1.0 percent increase in workers’ compensation insurance loss costs for 2021. This marks the first time in six years that average workers’ compensation rates will increase. This slight increase is… more

Jobless claims show uptick

In the week ending November 14, the advance figure for seasonally adjusted initial claims was 742,000, an increase of 31,000 from the previous week's revised level. The previous week's level was revised up by 2,000 from 709,000 to 711,000. The… more

Missouri October labor market levels show mixed results

Missouri's labor market for the month of October highlighted improvements, while also serving as a reminder that there is much ground to regain following the initial impact of COVID-19. The Missouri labor market showed mixed results in October 2020. Employment,… more

Ford investing $100 million at Claycomo plant

The Northland Ford Motor Company assembly plant in Claycomo, Mo. will see new jobs and ramped-up production, thanks to a generous investment from Ford. An investment of $100 million will be made at the Ford Kansas City Assembly Plant, the… more