[US] 1.4 million workers claim unemployment benefits

Last week American applications for unemployment benefits hit their highest level in three months, indicating increasing levels of job losses as the uncontrolled COVID-19 pandemic continues to damage the country’s economy. Congress continues its work on another relief package but the ongoing impact of coronavirus is taking a toll. 

According to Labor Department figures released on December 10, nearly 1.4 million workers filed an initial claim for benefits last week. An initial claim is filed for workers to establish or re-establish their eligibility for aid. About 950,000 of the applications were for traditional state unemployment insurance and 428,000 for Pandemic Unemployment Assistance; a temporary federal programme to support self-employed, gig and other workers unable to collect state assistance. CNBC reports on the worsening outlook workers face.

Last week American applications for unemployment benefits hit their highest level in three months, indicating increasing levels of job losses as the uncontrolled COVID-19 pandemic continues to damage the country’s economy. Congress continues its work on another relief package but the ongoing impact of coronavirus is taking a toll. 

According to Labor Department figures released on December 10, nearly 1.4 million workers filed an initial claim for benefits last week. An initial claim is filed for workers to establish or re-establish their eligibility for aid. About 950,000 of the applications were for traditional state unemployment insurance and 428,000 for Pandemic Unemployment Assistance; a temporary federal programme to support self-employed, gig and other workers unable to collect state assistance. CNBC reports on the worsening outlook workers face.