First-time unemployment claims lowest since 2006

By Cy Ryan

Wednesday, March 2, 2016 | 3:53 p.m.

CARSON CITY — The number of unemployed Nevadans who filed first-time claims for benefits in January stood at 13,742, down 5.4 percent from December.

It is the lowest monthly number since 2006, according to the state Department of Employment, Training and Rehabilitation.

Department Economist Bill Anderson said the January figure is a sign of the continued economic growth.

The jobless can receive benefits for up to 26 weeks; the average in 2015 was slightly more than 14 weeks.