The number of people who are continuing to receive unemployment benefits is now 6.1 million. The number of Americans applying for unemployment benefits increased last week to 778,000, evidence that the U.S. economy and job market remain under strain as coronavirus cases surge and colder weather heighten the risks. The Labor Department’s report Wednesday said jobless claims climbed from 748,000 the week before. Before the virus struck hard in mid-March, weekly claims typically amounted to roughly 225,000. The number of people who are continuing to receive traditional unemployment benefits is now 6.1 million, up from fewer than 1.7 million a year ago.

Source: The Standard November 25, 2020 13:30 UTC