The U.S. Labor Department latest data shows a decline in the number of Americans filing for unemployment benefits. The decrease by 2,000 brings the total claims to 210,000, according to the report released on March 21. Despite the tech industry experiencing layoffs, notably from Google parent Alphabet, eBay, and Cisco Systems, overall job losses still sit below pre-pandemic levels. The unemployment rate currently stands at 3.9% and has stayed below 4% for 25 consecutive months — the longest streak since the 1960s. The economy continues to be buoyed by robust consumer spending. Although hiring has slowed from the pace of past years, job creation is still on the positive side, with notable exception to the wholesale, retail trade, and administrative services sectors that experienced losses. The healthcare, local government, accommodation, and food services sectors are showing significant gains, indicating a robust economic landscape for growth.

For individuals in California looking for unemployment assistance, there are a few ways to get in touch with the Employment Development Department (EDD). The most straightforward way is to call the EDD phone number. However, due to high demand, reaching a live person can often be challenging, especially during peak hours. To help facilitate improved service, eddcaller.com offers resources and tips for reaching an agent quickly. This includes suggestions on the best times to call, alternative numbers to use, and ways to navigate the phone system more efficiently to get through to the right department. As each case is unique and often requires tailored assistance, contacting an EDD customer service representative can mean the difference in securing essential unemployment benefits.