RICHMOND— Virginia Works announced today that 1,689 unemployment insurance weekly initial claims were filed during the week ending November 29, 2025, which is 35.7 percent lower than last week’s 2,627 claims and 31.5 percent higher than the comparable week of last year (1,284). Nearly 84 percent of claimants self-reported an employer which correlates to an associated industry. Based on this reporting, the top five industries (60 percent) were Manufacturing (185); Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services (166); Administrative and Support and Waste Management (158); Accommodation and Food Services (129); and Health Care and Social Assistance (99).
Continued weeks claims (17,773) were 4.0 percent lower than last week (18,516) and were 17.9 percent higher than the comparable week of last year (15,070). Nearly 92 percent of claimants self-reported an employer which correlates to an associated industry. Based on this reporting, the top five industries (63 percent) were Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services (4,228); Administrative and Support and Waste Management (2,112); Health Care and Social Assistance (1,505); Manufacturing (1,238); and Retail Trade (1,234).
Significant Layoffs and Announcements are available at the following websites:
WARN Notices | Virginia Works
Announcements | Virginia Economic Development Partnership
|
Unemployment
Claims Activity Comparison
|
|
|
Week
Ending 11/29/2025
|
Week
Ending 11/22/2025
|
Week
Ending 11/15/2025
|
Last
Year 11/30/2024
|
|
Initial
Claims
|
1,689
|
2,627
|
2,421
|
1,284
|
|
Initial Change (%)
|
-938 (-35.7%)
|
+206 (+8.5%)
|
-700 (-22.4%)
|
+405 (+31.5%)
|
|
Continued
Claims
|
17,773
|
18,516
|
18,818
|
15,070
|
|
Continued
Change (%)
|
-743 (-4.0%)
|
-302 (-1.6%)
|
-282 (-1.5%)
|
+2703 (+17.9%)
|
Virginia Continued Weeks Claimed as a Percentage of Total Workforce
A person who has already filed an initial claim and who has experienced a week of unemployment files a continued claim to claim benefits for that week of unemployment. On a weekly basis, continued claims reflect a good approximation of the current number of insured unemployed workers filing for UI benefits, and are a good indicator of labor market conditions. While continued claims are not a leading indicator, they provide confirming evidence of the direction of the economy.
The color-coded map below shows the distribution of this week’s continued claims in Virginia’s counties and cities, expressed as a percentage of each locality’s labor force. This approach provides a more meaningful comparison across areas by adjusting for differences in labor force size. Yellow represents a lower percentage of continued claims relative to the labor force, while progressively darker shades transitioning from yellow to green and dark green indicate higher percentages. The legend at the bottom shows the color spectrum and its corresponding percentage ranges.
Please find the following Workforce Center hours for Friday December 5, 2025:
Click Here
Program Year 2024 marked a transformative milestone for Virginia’s
workforce system with the full operational launch of Virginia Works,
the Commonwealth’s new Department of Workforce Development
and Advancement. As the Commonwealth’s unified workforce
agency, Virginia Works has consolidated 11 programs into a single,
streamlined entity, aligning service delivery, data systems, and
strategic leadership under one mission: We connect people to
careers and employers to skilled talent.
This report highlights the agency’s performance under the
Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) Titles I and
III, showcasing measurable outcomes, innovative practices, and
regional success stories. Virginia Works exceeded expectations in
several key performance areas, launched multiple pilot programs
through WIOA Governor’s Reserve funds discretionary grants, and
expanded access to underserved communities. The agency also
led the state’s largest-ever virtual hiring initiative, modernized
apprenticeship infrastructure, and strengthened cross-agency
collaboration. With a focus on outcomes, process improvements,
and employer engagement, Virginia Works is laying the foundation
for a more agile and responsive workforce system.
RICHMOND— Virginia Works announced today that 2,627 unemployment insurance weekly initial claims were filed during the week ending November 22, 2025, which is 8.5 percent higher than last week’s 2,421 claims and 17.1 percent higher than the comparable week of last year (2,244). Nearly 81 percent of claimants self-reported an employer which correlates to an associated industry. Based on this reporting, the top five industries (61 percent) were Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services (380); Administrative and Support and Waste Management (277); Health Care and Social Assistance (208); Manufacturing (202); and Retail Trade (191).
Continued weeks claims (18,516) were 1.6 percent lower than last week (18,818) and were 19.0 percent higher than the comparable week of last year (15,554). Nearly 92 percent of claimants self-reported an employer which correlates to an associated industry. Based on this reporting, the top five industries (64 percent) were Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services (4,558); Administrative and Support and Waste Management (2,171); Health Care and Social Assistance (1,555); Retail Trade (1,294); and Manufacturing (1,286).
Significant Layoffs and Announcements are available at the following websites:
WARN Notices | Virginia Works
Announcements | Virginia Economic Development Partnership
|
Unemployment
Claims Activity Comparison
|
|
|
Week
Ending 11/22/2025
|
Week
Ending 11/15/2025
|
Week
Ending 11/08/2025
|
Last
Year 11/23/2024
|
|
Initial
Claims
|
2,627
|
2,421
|
3,121
|
2,244
|
|
Initial Change (%)
|
+206 (+8.5%)
|
-700 (-22.4%)
|
+180 (+6.1%)
|
+383 (+17.1%)
|
|
Continued
Claims
|
18,516
|
18,818
|
19,100
|
15,554
|
|
Continued
Change (%)
|
-302 (-1.6%)
|
-282 (-1.5%)
|
-146 (-0.8%)
|
+2962 (+19.0%)
|
Virginia Continued Weeks Claimed as a Percentage of Total Workforce
A person who has already filed an initial claim and who has experienced a week of unemployment files a continued claim to claim benefits for that week of unemployment. On a weekly basis, continued claims reflect a good approximation of the current number of insured unemployed workers filing for UI benefits, and are a good indicator of labor market conditions. While continued claims are not a leading indicator, they provide confirming evidence of the direction of the economy.
The color-coded map below shows the distribution of this week’s continued claims in Virginia’s counties and cities, expressed as a percentage of each locality’s labor force. This approach provides a more meaningful comparison across areas by adjusting for differences in labor force size. Yellow represents a lower percentage of continued claims relative to the labor force, while progressively darker shades transitioning from yellow to green and dark green indicate higher percentages. The legend at the bottom shows the color spectrum and its corresponding percentage ranges.
RICHMOND— Virginia Works announced today that 2,421 unemployment insurance weekly initial claims were filed during the week ending November 15, 2025, which is 22.4 percent lower than last week’s 3,121 claims and 6.9 percent higher than the comparable week of last year (2,265). Nearly 79 percent of claimants self-reported an employer which correlates to an associated industry. Based on this reporting, the top five industries (57 percent) were Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services (362); Administrative and Support and Waste Management (220); Health Care and Social Assistance (175); Retail Trade (163); and Accommodation and Food Services (137).
Continued weeks claims (18,818) were 1.5 percent lower than last week (19,100) and were 21.9 percent higher than the comparable week of last year (15,438). Nearly 91 percent of claimants self-reported an employer which correlates to an associated industry. Based on this reporting, the top five industries (65 percent) were Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services (4,695); Administrative and Support and Waste Management (2,179); Health Care and Social Assistance (1,568); Manufacturing (1,306); and Retail Trade (1,294).
Significant Layoffs and Announcements are available at the following websites:
WARN Notices | Virginia Works
Announcements | Virginia Economic Development Partnership
|
Unemployment
Claims Activity Comparison
|
|
|
Week
Ending 11/15/2025
|
Week
Ending 11/08/2025
|
Week
Ending 11/01/2025
|
Last
Year 11/16/2024
|
|
Initial
Claims
|
2,421
|
3,121
|
2,941
|
2,265
|
|
Initial Change (%)
|
-700 (-22.4%)
|
+180 (+6.1%)
|
-68 (-2.3%)
|
+156 (+6.9%)
|
|
Continued
Claims
|
18,818
|
19,100
|
19,246
|
15,438
|
|
Continued
Change (%)
|
-282 (-1.5%)
|
-146 (-0.8%)
|
+65 (+0.3%)
|
+3380 (+21.9%)
|
Virginia Continued Weeks Claimed as a Percentage of Total Workforce
A person who has already filed an initial claim and who has experienced a week of unemployment files a continued claim to claim benefits for that week of unemployment. On a weekly basis, continued claims reflect a good approximation of the current number of insured unemployed workers filing for UI benefits, and are a good indicator of labor market conditions. While continued claims are not a leading indicator, they provide confirming evidence of the direction of the economy.
The color-coded map below shows the distribution of this week’s continued claims in Virginia’s counties and cities, expressed as a percentage of each locality’s labor force. This approach provides a more meaningful comparison across areas by adjusting for differences in labor force size. Yellow represents a lower percentage of continued claims relative to the labor force, while progressively darker shades transitioning from yellow to green and dark green indicate higher percentages. The legend at the bottom shows the color spectrum and its corresponding percentage ranges.
RICHMOND— Virginia Works announced today that 3,121 unemployment insurance weekly initial claims were filed during the week ending November 08, 2025, which is 6.1 percent higher than last week’s 2,941 claims and 29.6 percent higher than the comparable week of last year (2,408). Nearly 64 percent of claimants self-reported an employer which correlates to an associated industry. Based on this reporting, the top five industries (63 percent) were Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services (509); Administrative and Support and Waste Management (245); Health Care and Social Assistance (173); Retail Trade (169); and Construction (144).
Continued weeks claims (19,100) were 0.8 percent lower than last week (19,246) and were 24.0 percent higher than the comparable week of last year (15,404). Nearly 91 percent of claimants self-reported an employer which correlates to an associated industry. Based on this reporting, the top five industries (65 percent) were Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services (4,718); Administrative and Support and Waste Management (2,209); Health Care and Social Assistance (1,595); Manufacturing (1,405); and Retail Trade (1,296).
Significant Layoffs and Announcements are available at the following websites:
WARN Notices | Virginia Works
Announcements | Virginia Economic Development Partnership
|
Unemployment
Claims Activity Comparison
|
|
|
Week
Ending 11/08/2025
|
Week
Ending 11/01/2025
|
Week
Ending 10/25/2025
|
Last
Year 11/09/2024
|
|
Initial
Claims
|
3,121
|
2,941
|
3,009
|
2,408
|
|
Initial Change (%)
|
+180 (+6.1%)
|
-68 (-2.3%)
|
-166 (-5.2%)
|
+713 (+29.6%)
|
|
Continued
Claims
|
19,100
|
19,246
|
19,181
|
15,404
|
|
Continued
Change (%)
|
-146 (-0.8%)
|
+65 (+0.3%)
|
-1033 (-5.1%)
|
+3696 (+24.0%)
|
Virginia Continued Weeks Claimed as a Percentage of Total Workforce
A person who has already filed an initial claim and who has experienced a week of unemployment files a continued claim to claim benefits for that week of unemployment. On a weekly basis, continued claims reflect a good approximation of the current number of insured unemployed workers filing for UI benefits, and are a good indicator of labor market conditions. While continued claims are not a leading indicator, they provide confirming evidence of the direction of the economy.
The color-coded map below shows the distribution of this week’s continued claims in Virginia’s counties and cities, expressed as a percentage of each locality’s labor force. This approach provides a more meaningful comparison across areas by adjusting for differences in labor force size. Yellow represents a lower percentage of continued claims relative to the labor force, while progressively darker shades transitioning from yellow to green and dark green indicate higher percentages. The legend at the bottom shows the color spectrum and its corresponding percentage ranges.
RICHMOND— Virginia Works announced today that 2,941 unemployment insurance weekly initial claims were filed during the week ending November 01, 2025, which is 2.3 percent lower than last week’s 3,009 claims and 24.7 percent higher than the comparable week of last year (2,359). Nearly 67 percent of claimants self-reported an employer which correlates to an associated industry. Based on this reporting, the top five industries (65 percent) were Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services (504); Administrative and Support and Waste Management (248); Health Care and Social Assistance (187); Manufacturing (166); and Retail Trade (148).
Continued weeks claims (19,246) were 0.3 percent higher than last week (19,181) and were 24.7 percent higher than the comparable week of last year (15,431). Nearly 91 percent of claimants self-reported an employer which correlates to an associated industry. Based on this reporting, the top five industries (65 percent) were Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services (4,691); Administrative and Support and Waste Management (2,213); Health Care and Social Assistance (1,644); Manufacturing (1,448); and Retail Trade (1,327).
Significant Layoffs and Announcements are available at the following websites:
WARN Notices | Virginia Works
Announcements | Virginia Economic Development Partnership
|
Unemployment
Claims Activity Comparison
|
|
|
Week
Ending 11/01/2025
|
Week
Ending 10/25/2025
|
Week
Ending 10/18/2025
|
Last
Year 11/02/2024
|
|
Initial
Claims
|
2,941
|
3,009
|
3,175
|
2,359
|
|
Initial Change (%)
|
-68 (-2.3%)
|
-166 (-5.2%)
|
-1203 (-27.5%)
|
+582 (+24.7%)
|
|
Continued
Claims
|
19,246
|
19,181
|
20,214
|
15,431
|
|
Continued
Change (%)
|
+65 (+0.3%)
|
-1033 (-5.1%)
|
+1322 (+7.0%)
|
+3815 (+24.7%)
|
Virginia Continued Weeks Claimed as a Percentage of Total Workforce
A person who has already filed an initial claim and who has experienced a week of unemployment files a continued claim to claim benefits for that week of unemployment. On a weekly basis, continued claims reflect a good approximation of the current number of insured unemployed workers filing for UI benefits, and are a good indicator of labor market conditions. While continued claims are not a leading indicator, they provide confirming evidence of the direction of the economy.
The color-coded map below shows the distribution of this week’s continued claims in Virginia’s counties and cities, expressed as a percentage of each locality’s labor force. This approach provides a more meaningful comparison across areas by adjusting for differences in labor force size. Yellow represents a lower percentage of continued claims relative to the labor force, while progressively darker shades transitioning from yellow to green and dark green indicate higher percentages. The legend at the bottom shows the color spectrum and its corresponding percentage ranges.
RICHMOND— Virginia Works announced today that 3,009 unemployment insurance weekly initial claims were filed during the week ending October 25, 2025, which is 5.2 percent lower than last week’s 3,175 claims and 35.8 percent higher than the comparable week of last year (2,215). Nearly 65 percent of claimants self-reported an employer which correlates to an associated industry. Based on this reporting, the top five industries (64 percent) were Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services (477); Administrative and Support and Waste Management (243); Health Care and Social Assistance (211); Manufacturing (179); and Retail Trade (146).
Continued weeks claims (19,181) were 5.1 percent lower than last week (20,214) and were 19.8 percent higher than the comparable week of last year (16,007). Nearly 91 percent of claimants self-reported an employer which correlates to an associated industry. Based on this reporting, the top five industries (65 percent) were Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services (4,616); Administrative and Support and Waste Management (2,149); Health Care and Social Assistance (1,618); Manufacturing (1,582); and Retail Trade (1,361).
Significant Layoffs and Announcements are available at the following websites:
WARN Notices | Virginia Works
Announcements | Virginia Economic Development Partnership
|
Unemployment
Claims Activity Comparison
|
|
|
Week
Ending 10/25/2025
|
Week
Ending 10/18/2025
|
Week
Ending 10/11/2025
|
Last
Year 10/26/2024
|
|
Initial
Claims
|
3,009
|
3,175
|
4,378
|
2,215
|
|
Initial Change (%)
|
-166 (-5.2%)
|
-1203 (-27.5%)
|
+1575 (+56.2%)
|
+794 (+35.8%)
|
|
Continued
Claims
|
19,181
|
20,214
|
18,892
|
16,007
|
|
Continued
Change (%)
|
-1033 (-5.1%)
|
+1322 (+7.0%)
|
+53 (+0.3%)
|
+3174 (+19.8%)
|
Virginia Continued Weeks Claimed as a Percentage of Total Workforce
A person who has already filed an initial claim and who has experienced a week of unemployment files a continued claim to claim benefits for that week of unemployment. On a weekly basis, continued claims reflect a good approximation of the current number of insured unemployed workers filing for UI benefits, and are a good indicator of labor market conditions. While continued claims are not a leading indicator, they provide confirming evidence of the direction of the economy.
The color-coded map below shows the distribution of this week’s continued claims in Virginia’s counties and cities, expressed as a percentage of each locality’s labor force. This approach provides a more meaningful comparison across areas by adjusting for differences in labor force size. Yellow represents a lower percentage of continued claims relative to the labor force, while progressively darker shades transitioning from yellow to green and dark green indicate higher percentages. The legend at the bottom shows the color spectrum and its corresponding percentage ranges.
RICHMOND— Virginia Works announced today that 3,175 unemployment insurance weekly initial claims were filed during the week ending October 18, 2025, which is 27.5 percent lower than last week’s 4,378 claims and 4.5 percent higher than the comparable week of last year (3,039). Nearly 67 percent of claimants self-reported an employer which correlates to an associated industry. Based on this reporting, the top five industries (67 percent) were Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services (453); Manufacturing (375); Health Care and Social Assistance (217); Administrative and Support and Waste Management (202); and Accommodation and Food Services (133).
Continued weeks claims (20,214) were 7.0 percent higher than last week (18,892) and were 29.1 percent higher than the comparable week of last year (15,663). Nearly 91 percent of claimants self-reported an employer which correlates to an associated industry. Based on this reporting, the top five industries (66 percent) were Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services (4,584); Manufacturing (2,261); Administrative and Support and Waste Management (2,186); Health Care and Social Assistance (1,630); and Retail Trade (1,416).
Significant Layoffs and Announcements are available at the following websites:
WARN Notices | Virginia Works
Announcements | Virginia Economic Development Partnership
|
Unemployment
Claims Activity Comparison
|
|
|
Week
Ending10/18/2025
|
Week
Ending10/11/2025
|
Week
Ending10/04/2025
|
Last
Year10/19/2024
|
|
Initial
Claims
|
3,175
|
4,378
|
2,803
|
3,039
|
|
Initial Change (%)
|
-1203 (-27.5%)
|
+1575 (+56.2%)
|
+541 (+23.9%)
|
+136 (+4.5%)
|
|
Continued
Claims
|
20,214
|
18,892
|
18,839
|
15,663
|
|
Continued
Change (%)
|
+1322 (+7.0%)
|
+53 (+0.3%)
|
-286 (-1.5%)
|
+4551 (+29.1%)
|
Virginia Continued Weeks Claimed as a Percentage of Total Workforce
A person who has already filed an initial claim and who has experienced a week of unemployment files a continued claim to claim benefits for that week of unemployment. On a weekly basis, continued claims reflect a good approximation of the current number of insured unemployed workers filing for UI benefits, and are a good indicator of labor market conditions. While continued claims are not a leading indicator, they provide confirming evidence of the direction of the economy.
The color-coded map below shows the distribution of this week’s continued claims in Virginia’s counties and cities, expressed as a percentage of each locality’s labor force. This approach provides a more meaningful comparison across areas by adjusting for differences in labor force size. Yellow represents a lower percentage of continued claims relative to the labor force, while progressively darker shades transitioning from yellow to green and dark green indicate higher percentages. The legend at the bottom shows the color spectrum and its corresponding percentage ranges.
RICHMOND —Virginia Works released the 2025 Statewide Economic Analysis (SEA), a comprehensive report that provides an overview of the Commonwealth’s labor market, economic conditions, and workforce trends. The SEA is developed annually to provide foundational data for our continued economic development strategy and workforce policy decisions.
“The Statewide Economic Analysis provides a wealth of information around Virginia’s economic position, industries, and labor market dynamics,” said Nicole Overley, Commissioner of Virginia Works. “It is a great tool to review whether you’re an employer, economic developer, workforce practitioner, or policymaker looking for support with evidence-based decision-making around workforce and economic planning.”
Compiled by Virginia Works’ Economic Information and Analytics team, the 2025 SEA presents a detailed assessment of employment, unemployment, wage growth, industry composition, and demographic shifts. As of July 2025, Virginia’s total employment reached approximately 4.3 million, with an unemployment rate of 3.6%. Job openings remained elevated, with fewer than one unemployed person per opening. Private-sector wage growth outpaced inflation, with average weekly earnings increasing nearly 10% year-over-year.
The report identifies healthcare and professional services as the largest employment sectors in the Commonwealth, with continued growth in construction and public administration. It also notes the increasing role of artificial intelligence and automation in shaping job functions and productivity.
The SEA includes long-term occupational and industry projections through 2032 and outlines employment trends across Virginia’s local workforce development areas. The full report is available at www.virginiaworks.gov/newsroom/ .
For more information about Virginia Works, our information resources and full range of workforce services, please visit www.virginiaworks.gov.
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