Unemployment Rates November 2020 and What They Mean

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The unemployment rate in November 2020 was 6.7%. This was a significant improvement from the previous month, when the rate was 7.9%.

As the economy continues to recover from the pandemic, we're seeing a steady decline in unemployment rates. This is good news for workers who have been struggling to find jobs.

In November 2020, the number of unemployed people in the US was approximately 10.7 million. This is a decrease from the 12.6 million unemployed people reported in October 2020.

The decline in unemployment rates is a sign that the economy is healing, and businesses are starting to hire again.

Understanding Unemployment Rates

Unemployment rates can be confusing, but let's break it down. The job loss resulting from the coronavirus pandemic has affected people of color to a disproportionate degree relative to White workers.

Black unemployment is a pressing issue. Black or African-American workers had a jobless rate of 10.3% in November, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Credit: youtube.com, 📊 How is the U.S. Unemployment Rate Calculated? | You Should Know

This is significantly higher than the White unemployment rate. White workers had a 5.9% jobless rate in November.

The gap between Black and White unemployment rates is striking. Black unemployment is still nearly twice the White rate.

It's not just Black workers who are affected, but also Hispanic or Latino workers. Hispanic or Latino workers had an 8.4% jobless rate in November.

Asian workers are also experiencing higher unemployment rates. Asian workers had a 6.7% jobless rate in November.

Additional reading: Mortgage Rates November

Unemployment Statistics

In November 2020, the unemployment rate in the United States was 6.7%. This is down from 6.9% in October 2020.

The number of unemployed people in the US was 10.7 million, a decrease from 11.1 million in the previous month.

The unemployment rate for men was 6.4%, while for women it was 6.9% in November 2020.

Take a look at this: November 1 2020

Monthly Estimate Calculation

The Labour Force Survey (LFS) provides benchmark estimates of employment and unemployment for each quarter since the beginning of 1998.

Credit: youtube.com, Macroeconomics: How to Calculate the Unemployment Rate

These quarterly benchmark estimates are then used to compile monthly data using the Proportional Denton method, which ensures that the average of three months in a calendar quarter is equal to the corresponding LFS estimate.

The Proportional Denton method also uses the monthly Live Register series as an indicator to disaggregate the quarterly LFS unemployment series into a monthly series, minimizing differences between consecutive months.

For months where quarterly unemployment data is not yet available, the ratio of the LFS monthly estimate to the Live Register monthly estimate is forecast forward to extrapolate a monthly LFS estimate.

This approach adheres to agreed international practice, providing a consistent and reliable method for calculating monthly estimates.

For another approach, see: Estimate Mortgage Rates

Long Term Unemployment

Long-term unemployment is a growing concern, with 3.9 million workers jobless for at least 27 weeks in November.

This number accounts for 37% of all unemployed workers, up from a third in October and 19% in September.

Person in jacket using smartphone, reviewing charts and data at a workspace.
Credit: pexels.com, Person in jacket using smartphone, reviewing charts and data at a workspace.

Long-term joblessness peaked above 45% in April 2010, in the aftermath of the Great Recession.

Workers who are unemployed for longer periods face significant challenges in finding a new job.

Almost 4.6 million workers were relying on federal extensions offering additional weeks of benefits in November, according to the Labor Department.

Federal extensions will end the last weekend in December absent congressional action, leaving many workers without a financial safety net.

Black Unemployment

Black unemployment is a pressing issue in the US, with Black or African-American workers having a jobless rate of 10.3% in November, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

This rate is nearly twice that of White workers, who had a 5.9% jobless rate in the same month.

Black unemployment is also significantly higher than that of Asian workers, who had a 6.7% jobless rate, and Hispanic or Latino workers, who had an 8.4% rate.

The fact that Black unemployment is still over 10% is a concerning sign for the current crisis and a reminder that there is still a lot of work to be done to close the gap between Black and White unemployment rates.

This dynamic is perhaps most pronounced among Black workers, who are more likely to work in industries such as leisure and hospitality that were hardest-hit by the recession.

Ann Lueilwitz

Senior Assigning Editor

Ann Lueilwitz is a seasoned Assigning Editor with a proven track record of delivering high-quality content to various publications. With a keen eye for detail and a passion for storytelling, Ann has honed her skills in assigning and editing articles that captivate and inform readers. Ann's expertise spans a range of categories, including Financial Market Analysis, where she has developed a deep understanding of global economic trends and their impact on markets.

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