Delays grow in processing jobless claims

PROVIDENCE—Laid-off workers in Rhode Island are waiting longer to get their unemployment claims processed by the state because of a jump in claims.

Officials at the state Department of Labor and Training said they believe the jump in claims is due to seasonal shutdowns in the manufacturing sector and other areas.

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Callers making claims were spending an average of 40 minutes on the phone in early July, compared to 28 minutes in June. The department now needs about 10 days to process claims filed online, up from an average of two days last month.

DLT Assistant Director Raymond Filippone said a new technology upgrade should help cut down on the backlog. Department employees will also be working overtime to process claims.