The number of unemployed individuals in the United States who have not re-entered the workforce for more than two weeks after losing their jobs has seen a significant increase.
According to the U.S. Department of Labor on Dec. 12 (local time), the number of continued unemployment claims for those who requested unemployment benefits for more than two weeks in the U.S. increased by 54,000 from the previous week to 1.956 million during the period of April 25 to 31. This marks the highest level in 3 years and 7 months since November 2021.
The increase in continued unemployment claims indicates that more people are unable to find new jobs immediately after losing their previous employment. In the financial markets, there are concerns that the high tariff policy implemented by the Donald Trump administration is cooling the U.S. economy, which could slow down the job market.
However, the number of new unemployment claims during the week of June 1-7 remained similar to the previous week at 248,000. The four-week moving average of new unemployment claims increased by 5,000 from the previous week to 240,250, the highest figure in 1 year and 10 months since August 2023.