The truth behind the US jobs figures – a visual guide
Government data shows unemployment rates for many groups remain high, even as post-pandemic hiring picks up
Overall unemployment in the US
The nature of the pandemic has highlighted structural inequities in the economy that are reflected in the monthly report. Black and Hispanic workers, for example, suffered the most during the recession, and are still struggling even as other parts of the economy recover.
Race and gender groups that are recovering slowly
Younger Americans have also experienced greater incidence of joblessness this May: though unemployment hovered at 4.9% for those 45 and over, it was 5.8 and 10.1% for people between the ages of 25-34 and 20-24, respectively. Those rates have been slow to drop to pre-pandemic levels.
The effects of the economic downturn brought on by the pandemic were most dramatic for people with lower levels of educational attainment. One-fifth of all those with less than a high school diploma (including younger people) were unemployed last April, and many have not been re-employed.
Unemployment rates by educational attainment
Many industries also continue to report high levels of unemployment. As has been widely reported, the leisure and hospitality industry was among the most affected. Last April, the shutdown of restaurants, bars and other nightlife brought unemployment to a whopping 39.3%, dropping to 10.1% last month. Other industries that continue to see elevated rates include mining and construction.
Agriculture, which saw seasonal changes in unemployment, is the only group to report a better unemployment rate now (8.2%) than before the lockdowns last year.
Americans have yet to experience a full economic recovery, and companies continue to struggle to hire. While some lawmakers have pointed to the possibility of a labor shortage, progressive members of the House of Representatives have emphasized the importance of a more reasonable living wage.
Joe Biden, in his response to the jobs report, spoke with optimism about the continued the success of the American Rescue Plan, and his plans for the future.
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