ADVERTISEMENT

In Just Three Weeks, 10% of Workers in These States Are Jobless

In Just Three Weeks, 10% of Workers in These States Are Jobless

(Bloomberg) -- The coronavirus has forced millions off their jobs in recent weeks, and some states are taking a disproportionate hit.

Among states with a labor force above 1 million people, Pennsylvania, Nevada and Michigan saw the largest share of their workers -- around 10% -- file for unemployment benefits in the past three weeks, according to a Bloomberg News analysis of government data.

In Just Three Weeks, 10% of Workers in These States Are Jobless

The data provide a more detailed look at the economic impact of the coronavirus on the labor market. They also underscore the range of industries where business is slowing or companies have been forced to close down to curb the spread of the virus. While Pennsylvania’s and Michigan’s economies are dominated by manufacturing and Nevada’s relies on leisure and hospitality, Washington and Minnesota are also among the top 10.

The three states with the largest labor populations didn’t make this list but still had a significant number of workers file for unemployment benefits: 5.7% in California, 3.1% in Texas and 2.9% in Florida.

About 10 million people have submitted jobless claims in the past two weeks -- equaling the total for the first six-and-a-half months of the 2007-2009 financial crisis. Last week’s figure -- 6.65 million -- was a record high.

©2020 Bloomberg L.P.