ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) - State officials said Thursday that Minnesota’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate hit a record high in May of 9.9% during the coronavirus pandemic.
The Department of Employment and Economic Development said nearly 303,000 Minnesotans were unemployed last month, an increase of almost 35,000 from April.
Gov. Tim Walz first issued Minnesota’s stay-at-home order in mid-March, requiring nonessential businesses to close. The state began gradually reopening in May. Minnesota Public Radio News reports the unemployment figures reflect what was happening in Minnesota’s economy prior to the reopening of outdoor dining at restaurants, more retail businesses and offices.
The agency said there was some stabilization in job losses in May, and small steps toward recovery from job disruptions caused by the pandemic.
According to DEED, Minnesota’s leisure and hospitality industry saw a seasonally adjusted increase in May of 13,800 jobs, with the largest share - at 11,900 jobs - in food service. The agency said retail, construction, personal services and health care also saw increases.
Employment in Minnesota appears to be rebounding more slowly than in other parts of the country because of the cautious approach state officials took in easing coronavirus-related restrictions on businesses, DEED said.
The U.S. unemployment fell slightly to 13.3% in May.
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