Employment security rates remain the same for 2006

The Nevada Employment Security Council has accepted the division's recommendation to keep unemployment insurance rates the same for 2006.

The rates are the premiums employers must pay to cover workers with unemployment insurance.

They range from more than 4 percent to a fraction of a percent, based on the type of business and the employer's history in keeping his workers.

The average rate will remain 1.38 percent, according to Chairman Paul Havas.

The rates are determined every September based on a solvency test by the Department of Employment, Training and Rehabilitation's Analysis Bureau.

With the trust fund balance estimated at $568 million, Havas said employment security can continue to maintain current benefits for the coming year unless some major, unforeseen economic problem occurs.