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As Rhode Island's unemployment rate climbs, more people are flooding the state Department of Labor and Training's call center with calls and e-mails - to file claims for unemployment benefits, or just to get questions answered.

But the agency does not have enough staff to handle the sharp increase in workload, said Sandra M. Powell, the agency's director. As a result, unemployed workers are encountering delays.

Those whose calls get through wind up on hold for an average of two hours, Powell said. Last month, the average wait time was closer to one hour. The agency is hiring more staff, but is having trouble keeping up with rising claims for benefits and related inquiries.

 Tags  call center Neil Downing Rhode Island Department of Labor and Training UI unemployment unemployment benefits

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