The most recent Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) monthly jobs report shows job gains slowed in August, with the economy adding back only 1.4 million jobs, compared to 1.7 million added back in July. Even with these gains, less than half (47.9%) of the 22.2 million jobs lost in March and April due to the COVID-19 crisis have returned. Over 3 in 10 (30.8%) of the jobs that returned in August are in the leisure and hospitality (which includes businesses like bars and restaurants) and retail trade sectors. These were among the first jobs lost at the start of the pandemic, and if surging coronavirus cases force businesses to close, they are at risk of being lost again.

Note: NWLC’s monthly jobs day analyses are generally not updated after publication and are provided for archival purposes. Please visit our main jobs day page for the most up-to-date analyses.