RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) -- A new report said that Virginia's unemployment claims are 6.7% higher than in previous years. On Dec. 18, 2025, a report from the Virginia Department of Workforce Development and Advancement announced that 2,578 initial unemployment insurance claims were filed during the wee k ending on Dec. 13, 2025. This is a 6.7% increase compared to the 2,417 claims filed during the same week in 2024. (Photo: Virginia Department of Workforce Development and Advancement) These top five industries include 59% of claims filed: Administrative and Support and Waste Management (271 claims) Professional, Scientific and Technical Services (264 claims) Construction (200 claims) Accommodation and Food Services (199 claims) Health Care and Social Assistance (181 claims) The report also stated that 18,561 continued weekly claims were filed, which was 2% higher than the previous week. As well as a 18.5% increase when compared with the same week in 2024. For more information, visit the Virginia Department of Workforce Development and Advancement website here. ...read more read less