ADADJobless claims are still nearly double the worst weeks in previous economic crises, including 665,000 during the Great Recession and 695,000, the previous record, from 1982. The numbers come as Congress debates whether to extend additional federal jobless benefits, currently $600 a week, that have helped many struggling workers stay afloat. ADThere are signs that job losses are reaching deeper into the economy as well. ADIn April, 5.5 percent of people who were unemployed reported permanent job losses. In April, the top five jobs with the worst losses were those most directly affected by the virus and shutdowns: housekeepers and cleaners, waiters, retail workers, and cashiers, he found.

Source: Washington Post July 16, 2020 12:37 UTC