Ohio’s Employment Indicators Weakened in May

Employment data released this week showed Ohio’s unemployment rate jumped to 5% during the month of May, up from 4.7% in April. (Fortunately, there were fewer initial and continued claims last week compared to the week before — but still more than 450,000 claims statewide.) Ohio’s labor force participation rate fell last month.

This weekend, on June 27, Ohio ends its participation in federal government’s supplemental unemployment payment program. The Ohio Department of Job and Family Services continues to ask employers to report individuals who are receiving unemployment benefits but refusing offers of work without good cause. 6/21/2021