Jobs slowly return in the U.S.

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The unemployment rate in the United States dropped from 13.3 percent in May to 11.1 percent in June, according to a report released by the federal government on Thursday. Businesses added 4.8 million jobs last month as they cautiously reopened across the country.

Does that mean the economy is recovering? The Labor Department estimated about one-third of the jobs lost during coronavirus lockdowns have returned. Of the jobs added last month, 2.1 million were at hotels, restaurants, bars, and casinos. Retailers added 740,000 employees. The number of new unemployment applications remains high, but it dropped by 55,000 last week.

Dig deeper: Read WORLD’s report about the challenges facing U.S. businesses as they reopen during the pandemic.

Rachel Lynn Aldrich

Rachel is a former assistant editor for WORLD Digital. She is a Patrick Henry College and World Journalism Institute graduate. Rachel resides with her husband in Wheaton, Ill.