NH unemployment claims rise again

But more people returning to work than seeking benefits

July 1, 2021

Bob Sanders,

While unemployment in New Hampshire remains low, there is a high degree of churn in the job market, according to the statistics released Thursday morning by the U.S. Department of Labor.

New jobless claims rose to 1,059 in the week ending June 26 after falling to pre-pandemic levels the week before, but a lot more – 1,629 – seemed to be returning to work during the week, which ended June 19.

June 19 was also the last week federal benefits went to New Hampshire workers, following Gov. Chris Sununu’s decision to end the $300-a-week enhancement as well as assistance to people who aren’t working because of Covid-related reasons.

In the run-up to that June 19 deadline, such claims jumped, also by more than a thousand after weeks of sharp drops. But in the week ending June 12, filings for federal benefits increased by 18.8%, to 6,647, after falling 12% the week before.

Nationally, new claims fell 11.4%, to 364,000, after increasing 7% for two weeks in a row.

Categories: Government, News

More news from NHBR:

Blurred Image Of Business Meeting In Modern Office Professional Team Discussion Around Conference Table In Corporate Environment

Guardrails, not barriers

NH Tech Alliance task force maps AI in New Hampshire

Tax amnesty

There are no magic wands in tax disputes, but the current New Hampshire Department of Revenue Administration (DRA) tax amnesty program is about as close as it gets.

State lawmakers deny Nashua funding to buy Daniel Webster College site

The state Senate Finance Committee voted along party lines January 13 against a bill that would give Nashua $20 million to purchase the former site of Daniel Webster College. Four Republicans voted in favor and two Democrats against.

Close Up Top View Group Of Calculator , Home Model ,yellow Pencil, Banking Account Book And Calendar On White Color Background With Space For Money Management ,home Loan And Personal Financial Concept

Legislative committee signs off on NH housing program repeal

Legislature also wrestles with the Business and Enterprise Tax, which has a direct effect on state revenues, and as it looks at how Meals and Rental Tax revenue is distributed and whether there should be an additional “Pillow Tax” on rentals

Legislative committee votes to repeal NH 'Housing Champions'

A state-run program that encourages communities to add much needed housing in New Hampshire, already defunded in the current budget, is on the precipice of disappearing altogether. The House Committee on Housing voted 10-8 on Jan. 20 to repeal the so-called Housing Champions program administered by the NH Department of Business and Economic Affairs.

Remembering Manchester's Bob Baines

Bob Baines, the former mayor of Manchester, past principal of Manchester High School West and current Manchester School Board member, died in Boston on Jan. 23 due to complications following heart surgery.

Nongfu Spring down to a trickle

It’s been a year since a Chinese water and beverage bottling company purchased commercial property in Nashua. Not much more is known now than it was then about the company’s intentions for the 337,391-square-foot building on 23 acres at 80 Northwest Blvd., purchased Jan. 31, 2025 for $67 million by a subsidiary of Nongfu Spring, a giant Chinese bottled water and beverage company.

Newborn Baby Feet Close Up On Mother's Lap: Black And White Photo Showing First Tender Moments, Soft Texture, Skin Tone, Parenthood, And Love.

Preparing for NH’s parental medical leave law

Now that 2026 is underway, New Hampshire employers should turn their attention to the state’s new Parental Medical Leave law (PML). Effective January 1, 2026, most employers with 20 or more employees are required to provide unpaid leave to allow employees to attend childbirth-related medical appointments, postpartum care and pediatric visits during a child’s first year.