This story is free to read because readers choose to support LAist. If you find value in independent local reporting, make a donation to power our newsroom today.
California Logs Record Number Of Unemployment Claims
According to new data released today by the U.S. Department of Labor, the state of California processed close to 879,000 unemployment claims during the week of March 22 through 28.
The sharp spike in joblessness due to the coronavirus pandemic has seen more than a million Californians filing for unemployment since non-essential businesses started shutting down in mid-March.
As the California Legislative Analyst’s Office notes, that represents about 6% of the state’s total workforce.
The recent spike is already matching the total increase in unemployment California experienced during the entirety of the Great Recession. And experts say claims will most likely keep flooding in for weeks to come.
Governor Gavin Newsom is encouraging laid-off workers to visit a new website, OnwardCA.org, which aims to connect job-seekers with 70,000 openings in high-demand industries like healthcare, agriculture, logistics and groceries.
MORE ON CORONAVIRUS:
You come to LAist because you want independent reporting and trustworthy local information. Our newsroom doesn’t answer to shareholders looking to turn a profit. Instead, we answer to you and our connected community. We are free to tell the full truth, to hold power to account without fear or favor, and to follow facts wherever they lead. Our only loyalty is to our audiences and our mission: to inform, engage, and strengthen our community.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive from readers like you will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive from readers like you will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Senior Vice President News, Editor in Chief
