NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) — Data from the Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development shows Tennessee saw an unemployment rate of 14.7% during the month of April amid the pandemic.
The department said COVID-19 has had a "staggering" impact on the state's unemployment as Tennessee saw the highest unemployment rate "in a generation."
Before the pandemic, Tennessee's highest unemployment rate was 12.9%, which occurred during the months of December 1982 and January 1983.
The state's labor department said April's seasonally adjusted statewide unemployment rate of 14.7% was a spike of 11.4% when compared to March's unemployment rate of 3.3%.
The seasonally adjusted rate eliminates the influxes of weather, holidays, the opening and closing of schools and other recurring seasonal events from an economic time series, the department said.
Total nonfarm employment decreased by 376,900 jobs between March and April.
Industries hit hardest by unemployment in Tennessee have been leisure and hospitality, manufacturing, and professional and business services.
Since March 15, Tennessee has seen a surge in unemployment claims filed.
During the ending in May 16, Tennessee paid nearly $359 million in unemployment benefits to more than 319,000 people. However, Governor Bill Lee said Thursday during his weekly update there were still 22,000 claims that continue to remain pending.
Tennessee's unemployment rate has seen a similar spike as the nation's seasonally adjusted unemployment rate, which was also 14.7%. The United States unemployment rate in April 2020 is 10.3 percentage points higher than March 2020.
What is the rebound?
As Middle Tennessee works to rebound from the impact of the Coronavirus, we want to help. Whether it's getting back to work, making ends meet during this uncertain time, or managing the pressure, we're committed to finding solution. In addition, we want to tell your stories of hope, inspiration, and creativity as Middle Tennessee starts to rebound.
Find more in the sections below
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Safely Back to School
How schools are changing, and what you can do to help your child get the most from their education, in-person or virtual -
Making Ends Meet
Find help on topics from rent to food to new belt-tightening techniques -
Managing the Pressure
Feeling isolated or frustrated? Learn ways to connect with people virtually, get counseling or manage your stress. -
Doing What’s Right
Keep track of the way people are spending your tax dollars and treating your community. -
State of Education
Find ways to cope with the new normal around schools and celebrate students’ success in the age of Coronavirus. -
We're Open Y'all
Support local businesses doing their best to stay open and serve their customers during Covid.
