Jobless claims not showing big surge in federal workers seeking unemployment benefits

[mystery-ak]

Jobless claims not showing big surge in federal workers seeking unemployment benefits
Layoffs in the private sector are still very low
By

Jeffry Bartash
Last Updated: March 27, 2025 at 10:03 a.m. ET
First Published: March 27, 2025 at 8:47 a.m. ET

The numbers: Some 224,000 people who lost their jobs applied last week for unemployment benefits, a very low number that suggests the U.S. labor market is still in good shape even as trade wars reverberate through the economy.

Initial jobless claims excluding federal workers fell by 1,000 to 224,000 in the seven days that ended March 22, the government said.

A different category that counts just federal employees registered a modest 821 new claims in the seven days ending March 15, down from 1,066 in the prior week. These claims are reported with a two-week lag.

So far there has not been a huge increase in federal jobless claims even though the Trump administration has reportedly cut tens of thousands of government employees.

Some employees have been reinstated temporarily via court order as lawsuits seek to overturn the firings. Others’ claims have been stuck in limbo because of differences in how federal applications are handled.

more
https://www.marketwatch.com/story/jobless-claims-not-showing-big-surge-in-federal-workers-seeking-unemployment-benefits-02c368e5?mod=home_ln

[DefiantMassRINO]

They may not be able to apply for unemployment benefits until the severance package ends; many may have taken retirement; and skilled workers may have found employment elsewhere.

[catfish1957]

They may not be able to apply for unemployment benefits until the severance package ends; many may have taken retirement; and skilled workers may have found employment elsewhere.

I thought most severance packages were lump sum.  Not sure how the government works on these.

[Drago]

FedGov "severance" means you get paid your full salary/hourly until September 2025.

https://www.msn.com/en-us/politics/government/will-federal-employees-get-severance-pay-if-they-resign-trump-administration-offers-buyout-program/ar-AA1y4PHY

https://www.fedsmith.com/2025/02/26/rifs-are-coming-what-federal-employees-need-to-know-about-upcoming-workforce-optimization/

And the CR passed by Congress recently backs that up...no net cut to spending...$10 Billion increase in spending thru October 2025.

https://www.crfb.org/blogs/whats-houses-full-year-continuing-resolution

[Smokin Joe]

Well, those who didn't answer emails may have been terminated for cause. No check for that. The severance group are still getting paychecks. The rest may be holding out for back pay with a court injunction of some sort.

I'd wager there have been quite a few who have found other jobs through connections made while in their respective positions, just as flag officers end up with defense contractors.