The weekly numbers have dropped since April…
But MILES above the numbers before the virus lockdowns and restrictions began…
And?
Some increases are creeping back with some states may be in for additional lockdowns in the future along with state and local government layoffs from budget shortfalls…
In addition, states reported that another 1 million claims were made under the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance program, which grants jobless benefits for gig workers, self-employed workers and contractors, the agency reported.
When combined, the two numbers for initial unemployment claims have ticked up the past three weeks, from 2.24 million in mid-June to 2.44 million last week….
.