Alabama is facing its highest unemployment rate in 37 years. The Department of Labor has released the April numbers, which is the first full monthly report since the coronavirus pandemic began. According to the Labor Department, Alabama’s unemployment rate jumped 3% in April to 12.9%. From March to April, about 217,000 Alabama workers lost their jobs. Governor Kay Ivey talks about other alarming numbers related to today’s announcement. The state’s highest recorded unemployment rate was 15.5% back in 1982.
Alabamians collecting unemployment benefits are urged to be aware of scammers who may attempt to take your benefits. A statement from the Alabama Department of Labor says scammers are posing as someone who promises they can collect your benefits for you, and they may try to charge a fee for this service. The only way to file for unemployment compensation benefits in Alabama is through the state Department of Labor and there is never a fee to file for unemployment.