First-time unemployment claims filed in Colorado last week surged to the highest level in more than three months even as the number of people receiving jobless benefits fell to a six-month low.

Colorado first-time unemployment claims up slightly last week

The 10,741 claims filed with the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment during the week ending Oct. 31 was up 21.3% from the previous week and the most since the week ended July 25. The total included 7,116 claims from payroll workers, up 12.9% from the previous week and the highest total since the week ending Aug. 1.

The 3,625 claims from self-employed persons, independent contractors and “gig” workers under the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance program was up 41.9% from the previous week and the most since the week ending July 11.

Colorado first-time unemployment claims fall for first time in four weeks

The department has received 594,481 claims from payroll workers since mid-March, when the COVID-19 pandemic took hold, and another 176,447 claims under the PUA program since it started April 20 for a total of 770,928. However, the number of persons receiving unemployment benefits fell to 207,795 in the week ending Oct. 25, down 6% from the previous week and the lowest total since the week of April 18.

Colorado first-time jobless claims up for third consecutive week