N.O. first-time unemployment claims rise for 3rd straight week

The New Orleans area saw an increase in initial unemployment claims for the third straight week for the week ending May 31 to 789 from 680.

The area, comprised of Jefferson, Orleans, Plaquemines, St. Bernard, St. Charles, St. James, St. John and St. Tammany parishes, posted the highest number

Jefferson Parish led the New Orleans area with 325 claims, while St. Bernard had none, the lowest figure in the state tied with Cameron Parish. The remaining parishes posted the following number of initial claims:

- Orleans, 228

- Plaquemines, 11

- St. Charles, 47

- St. James, 33

- St. John, 39

- St. Tammany, 106.

The area comprised of Assumption, Lafourche and Terrebonne parishes posted the lowest total, with 65.

Initial claims for unemployment insurance statewide increased to 3,322 for the week ending May 31, up from the previous week's total of 3,223 and the 3,115 claims for the comparable period last year.

Credit: Christian Moises