THERE WERE 7,452 pandemic unemployment-assistance filings in Rhode Island last week. / AP FILE PHOTO/ERIC GAY
PROVIDENCE – Pandemic unemployment-assistance filings in Rhode Island increased by 7,452 last week, to 310,887, according to the R.I. Department of Labor and Training. PUA filings in the state totaled 7,532 one week prior. The federally created and backed program covers those typically ineligible for unemployment benefits, including gig workers, contractors and small-business owners. The…