This week, the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS) provided updated data on unemployment claims filed in Ohio the week of May 12-May 18, 2024. These statistics were shared with the U.S. Department of Labor. Ohioans filed 5,187 initial unemployment claims last week, which was 503 fewer than the previous week. Approximately 661 of those have been flagged for more stringent identity verification, to ensure they are not fraudulent. Ohioans filed 38,022 continued unemployment claims last week, which was 434 fewer than the previous week. The total number of claims filed from May 12-May 18, 2024, was 43,209. Ohio’s unemployment rate in April was 4.0%. The national unemployment rate in April was 3.9%. Ohio’s labor force participation rate in April was 61.8%. The national labor force participation rate in April was 62.7%. ODJFS works in partnership with local workforce development boards and local staff to provide employment and training services at 88 OhioMeansJobs centers throughout the state. Individuals can visit OhioMeansJobs.com or contact their local OhioMeansJobs center to find and apply for job openings, take skill and career interest assessments, create or improve their resumes, and practice interviewing. Employers can contact their nearest OhioMeansJobs center to get help finding skilled candidates for jobs, screening resumes, learning about federally funded tax credits or training programs, and more. To find contact information for your nearest OhioMeansJobs center, visit OhioMeansJobs.com and select “FIND A JOB CENTER” at the bottom of the page. Additional Unemployment Information ODJFS urges individuals to file their unemployment claims online, if possible, at unemployment.ohio.gov. Filing for Unemployment Step-by-Step Guide: jfs.ohio.gov/job-services-andunemployment/unemployment/for-unemployed-workers/resources/01-quick-tips-and-step-by-stepguide. Mass-layoff notices are posted at jfs.ohio.gov/job-services-and-unemployment/job-services/jobprograms-and-services/submit-a-warn-notice/submit-a-warn-notice-sa-1/submit-a-warn-notice. Anyone who suspects their identity was compromised and used to file a fraudulent unemployment claim should report it to the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services immediately by visiting unemployment.ohio.gov, clicking on “Report ID Theft/Fraud,” and then “Individuals: Report Identity Theft/Fraud.” As an alternative, individuals also may call (833) 658- 0394.