Jobless claims up to 742K while pandemic worsens
WASHINGTON — The number of Americans seeking unemployment aid rose last week to 742,000, the first increase in five weeks and a sign that the resurgent viral outbreak is likely slowing the economy and forcing more companies to cut jobs.
The worsening pandemic and the arrival of coldweather could accelerate layoffs in the weeks ahead. Of the 20 million Americans now receiving some form of unemployment benefits, about half will lose those benefits whentwo federal programs expire at theendof the year.
“The risk of further job andincomeloss is highnow from business operations being curtailed,” said Rubeela Farooqi, chief U.S. economist at High Frequency Economics, a forecasting firm.
“Also, expiration of federal benefits later this year will put renewed strain on household incomes. Overall, the labor market remains under stress.”
The Labor Department’s report Thursday showed that applications for jobless aid rose from 711,000 in the previousweek.
InMarch, when the pandemic first intensified, the number had soared to 6.9 million. Before then, applications typically hovered about 225,000 aweek.
The surge in confirmed viral infections, and worry about its effect on the economy, are putting pressure on financial markets. The Dow Jones Industrial Average declined in early trading Thursday for a third day before finishing up 0.15%.
The economy’s modest recovery is increasingly at risk, with newly confirmed daily infections in the United States having exploded 80% over the past two weeks to the highest levels on record.
More statesandcities are issuing mask mandates, limiting the size of gatherings, restricting restaurant dining, closing gyms or reducing the hours and capacity of bars, stores and other businesses. At least 15 states have tightened curbs on businesses to try to slow infections.
The number of people who are continuing to receive traditionalunemployment benefits fell to 6.4 million, the government said Thursday, from 6.8 million. Some of that decline reflects more hiring.
But it also indicates that many jobless people have used up their state unemployment aid— which typically expires after six months — and have transitioned to a federal extended benefits program that lasts 13 moreweeks.
Yet that extended benefit program is one of two federal supports that are set to expire at year’s end, eliminating benefits for 9.1 million people, according to a report Wednesday from The Century Foundation. Congress has so far failed to agree on any new stimulus package for jobless individuals and struggling businesses. The cutoff of aid will sharply reduce income for the unemployed, force a further reduction in their spending and perhaps weaken the economy.
The second measure in the stimulus package provided the additional 13 weeks of benefits forunemployed people who have used up their state benefits. When those two programs expire Dec. 26, the foundation estimates 12 million people will lose their benefits.