Signs on the window at Taproot Lounge and Cafe advertise takeout options while the restaurant is closed to indoor seating due to state restrictions, on Thursday, Dec. 10. (Amanda Loman/Salem Reporter)
Oregon’s unemployment rate rose slightly in December after seven months of declines.
The state’s unemployment rate increased to 6.4% in December, up from November’s 6%. In April, Oregon’s unemployment rate soared to a historic 14.8% as pandemic restrictions took effect. Since then, the economy has steadily added back jobs.
In November, Gov. Kate Brown announced a new round of restrictions in response to spiking Covid transmissions. Bars and restaurants were allowed to only offer takeout or deliver under the restrictions, which were later relaxed to allow outdoor seating. As expected, job losses were greatest in Oregon’s leisure and hospitality industry, which shed 28,600 positions.
However, four Oregon industries each added over 2,000 jobs in December. They include retail trade; transportation, warehousing, and utilities; health care and social assistance; as well as professional and business services.
The U.S. unemployment rate stayed steady at 6.7% for both November and December. – Jake Thomas
