RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) — As the government shutdown approaches its one month mark, the Virginia Employment Commission is noticing a spike in unemployment claims from federal workers.

A recent study by WalletHub ranked Virginia as the sixth most impacted state by the government shutdown. Without a clear end in sight, more Virginians are leaning on the Virginia Employment Commission for assistance.

8News spoke with Kerri O'Brien, Director of Communications, who said the agency has seen more federal workers across the Commonwealth apply for benefits.

“The Virginia Employment Commission is here and ready to help those individuals who may be impacted by the government shutdown and may be furloughed," O'Brien said.

O'Brien said the agency started unofficially tracking claims made by federal em

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