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Self-Employed Aren't Yet Counted In The Soaring Unemployment Numbers
A framing art gallery in Venice Beach on April 01, 2020. Another 6.65 million U.S. workers filed for unemployment benefits last week, the most ever recorded. (Apu Gomes/AFP via Getty Images)
"We've got people working around the clock, including on Easter, trying to get as many things as possible out there."
More than two million Californians have lost work in the wake of coronavirus-related business closures, according to new unemployment data released Thursday by the Department of Labor.
We take a closer look at those not yet counted in those statistics: The self-employed.
Frustrated freelancers are still waiting for a new filing process to come online, while state officials say they’re doing their best to keep up with an unprecedented surge in applications.
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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.
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