HARRISBURG – Gov. Edward G. Rendell said that the national economy continues to struggle and take its toll on Pennsylvania workers as the state’s nonfarm job count1 in December dropped 27,100 jobs and the unemployment rate2 rose to 6.7 percent. The state’s unemployment rate has been at or below the nation’s for 70 of the past 72 months.
“We are experiencing some of the most significant job losses we’ve seen in 18 years,” Rendell said. “These are difficult times for Pennsylvania’s working families, and even more difficult for those who have lost their jobs due to the current economic conditions. I want to reassure residents that we are committed to providing them with the resources they need to make it through these tough times.”
Rendell emphasized that while filing online is the best way to get unemployment compensation benefits, for those who must file by phone, the Department of Labor & Industry is making every effort to improve customer service.
In addition to expanding the operating hours of the statewide unemployment compensation services toll-free number – 1-888-313-7284 – from 47 hours per week to 75 hours, the department is implementing an enhanced call-in procedure to provide faster service.
Individuals are advised to call on specific days, based on the final digit of their Social Security number. People with a Social Security number ending in an even number should call on Sunday, Tuesday or Thursday; while those ending with an odd number should call on Monday, Wednesday or Friday. Later in the week, and later in the day are still the best times to call.
The governor also noted that a pilot program recently put into place at PA CareerLinks is helping individuals seeking unemployment compensation, or UC, benefits, file claims online or with a paper application.
“I encourage anyone who is unemployed to take advantage of PA CareerLink system to use the reemployment services that are available free of charge,” said Rendell.
A recent two-week state employee food drive collected nearly 5 tons of food – enough to provide nearly 8,000 meals for families in need. The drive was part of the launch of HereToHelp.pa.gov, a new online resource providing convenient access to state programs that can help residents get through these difficult times, such as mortgage and home heating assistance, and children’s health care.
“Our dedicated state employees want to help. I hope people will take advantage of the assistance offered by the commonwealth,” said Rendell.
“While we are working to provide assistance to individuals during these difficult economic times, we are also redoubling our strategic job creation efforts to bring us out of this economic slump,” the governor noted. “I recently announced investments in Bucks, Centre, Erie, Montgomery and Philadelphia counties that will create or retain nearly 400 manufacturing and technology jobs. These are the types of investments that will move us out of our current economic situation and return us to economic growth.
“The new President clearly understands how making strategic investments in our workforce, businesses and infrastructure can pave the road to economic recovery.
“His proposed investments in clean energy, infrastructure, education and job creation are in line with what we’ve been doing in Pennsylvania to strengthen our economy,” said Rendell. “And if our success with these types of investments is an indication, I have every confidence in the President’s proposal to get our nation’s economy back on track.”
For information about unemployment compensation and employment services, visit here. For more information on Rendell’s efforts to help residents, visit HereToHelp.pa.gov.