Virginia’s unemployment claims rise by 6.7% compared to previous year
VENN
RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) -- A new report said that Virginia's unemployment claims are 6.7% higher than in previous years.
On Dec. 18, 2025, a report from the Virginia Department of Workforce Development and Advancement announced that 2,578 initial unemployment insurance claims were filed during the week ending on Dec. 13, 2025.
This is a 6.7% increase compared to the 2,417 claims filed during the same week in 2024.
(Photo: Virginia Department of Workforce Development and Advancement)
These top five industries include 59% of claims filed:
- Administrative and Support and Waste Management (271 claims)
- Professional, Scientific and Technical Services (264 claims)
- Construction (200 claims)
- Accommodation and Food Services (199 claims)
- Health Care and Social Assistance (181 claims)
The report also stated that 18,561 continued weekly claims were filed, which was 2% higher than the previous week. As well as a 18.5% increase when compared with the same week in 2024.
For more information, visit the Virginia Department of Workforce Development and Advancement website here.
