Executive Summary
For Immediate Release:
June 26, 2013
Contact: Brian Dries
215-686-8869
10,000 Fewer Philadelphians Receiving Jobless Aid
City Controller’s economic report includes a review of unemployment claims
for Philadelphia & the Suburbs over the last year
PHILADELPHIA – City Controller Alan Butkovitz today released his latest monthly economic report that indicates the number of Philadelphians receiving ongoing unemployment benefits dropped almost 10,000 over the last year.
Total continued benefit claims were 95,720 in May 2013 compared to 105,410 in May 2012. While Philadelphia experienced a nine percent decrease, its decline was not as significant as its neighboring counties, such as the following:
May 2012 May 2013 Difference Percentage Montgomery
39,300
28,560
-10,740
-27%
Delaware
31,460
22,640
-8,820
-28%
Chester
19,540
13,630
-5,910
-30%
Bucks
31,480
24,200
-7,280
-23%
Pennsylvania
751,360
624,500
-126,860
-17%
The decline in continued claims may be attributed to applicants finding jobs, but it also could be a result of recipients having used all of the benefits available to them.
In addition, the manufacturing sector reported growth this month and is expecting the progress to continue into the next six months. The diffusion index, the broadest measure of manufacturing conditions, showed an increase in current activity from -5.2 in May to 12.5, which is the highest reading since April 2011.
The Controller’s economic report is compiled on a monthly basis and includes an Economic Snapshot and Forecast, as well as real estate information and other local statistics. These reports are circulated every month to assist key decision makers in understanding and anticipating local and national economic trends.
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