SPOKANE, Wash. — If you’re a federal employee, job security might be one of your top concerns right now.
Nearly 1,000 Washingtonians are without a job because of the federal budget cuts.
Since February 14, the Washington State Employment Security Department says its received around 29 unemployment claims a day from federal employees alone.
“Since the beginning of the year, we have seen around 880 total claims from federal employees. While that is a small percentage of our overall average initial claims for federal employees specifically, it’s about a 100% increase compared with what we saw during the same time period last year,” said Jr Richards, insurance services director for the employment security department.
In Spokane County, there are 5,132 federal employees, some of whom have been affected by the layoffs.
Employees at the VA Medical Center say they are still in shock. When asked how many federal employees have been laid off. The VA released a statement saying:
“Mann-Grandstaff VAMC has dismissed a limited number of probationary staff this month. This decision will have no negative effect on Veteran health care, benefits, or other services and will allow VA to focus more effectively on its core mission of serving Veterans, families, caregivers, and survivors. We cannot discuss specific personnel matters due to privacy concerns.”
One employee who was laid off felt these could affect our local veterans.
If you have been laid off, ESD says it’s here to help.
“We have work source offices around the state that are there to help,” Richards said. “There’s one in Spokane. Our staff there are ready and prepared to help with future job search or any other needs you have.”
ESD also has a page dedicated to help federal employees with what they need to know when applying for benefits. You can visit that page here.
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