WASHINGTON (WBAP/KLIF News) – More than 1.3 million Americans filed first time claims for unemployment benefits last week, showing employers are still laying workers off amid another surge in COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations.
The latest round means that 49.8 million Americans made initial jobless benefits claims since the pandemic hit in March.
The resurgence has forced six states to reverse their phased reopening.
The states, Texas, Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida and Michigan, make up one-third of the U.S. economy, according to the Associated Press, and fifteen other states have suspended their re-openings.
Last month, employers added 4.8 million jobs and the unemployment rate fell from 13.3% to a still high 11.1%.
However, several major companies are announcing plans for fall layoffs amid the pandemic.
United Airlines sent layoff warnings to 36,000 employees this week.
Fort Worth-based American Airlines said last week it’s overstaffed by almost 20,000 employees.
The moves are a clear indicator of how the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted the airline industry.
It’s a situation most public and private business sectors have found themselves in due to the pandemic.
Copyright 2020. WBAP/KLIF News. All Rights Reserved. The Associated Press contributed.
