Jobs Return, But Remain at Risk as COVID Surges

Following unprecedented job losses as a result of shelter in place orders, over a quarter of jobs had returned to the region by the end of June. Data released this morning by the California Unemployment Development Department showed the region added back just 162,000 of the 620,000 jobs lost. San Francisco, San Mateo and Santa Clara counties led the region in returned employees.  Leisure and hospitality, construction, trade, and health services made up the bulk of the gains while governments across the region continued to shed jobs. Though a sign of reopening optimism, many of the jobs added in June are likely to remain at risk as COVID-19 continues to surge, counties are added back to the state’s watchlist, and additional restrictions are required.