The diminishing racial difference in unemployment rates suffers a setback as Black workers face an uptick in unemployment, raising concerns about the Black labor force’s development. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the Black unemployment rate increased from 4.7% to 5.6% between April and May. This increase in unemployment, particularly among Black employees, raises worries about the disproportionate impact of increased joblessness on them. Black women, particularly those in the public sector, were disproportionately affected by job losses, with theirs rising from 4.4% to 5.3%. Similarly, unemployment among Black men increased from 4.5% to 5.6%.
While the overall unemployment rate for Black employees has been declining since 2020, when it hit historic highs, the latest uptick underlines the difficulties encountered by Black households with little savings or non-multiple earners. This economic insecurity can amplify the impact of job loss, making a recovery even more difficult. Despite the setback, experts point out that the total unemployment rate for Black employees has decreased since 2020 when it peaked at 16.8%.
This turn of events calls into question the sustainability of established progress. It highlights the necessity for specialized initiatives to address Black workers’ unique obstacles in the labor market.
