a bar graph on the weekly jobless claims

What Makes the Weekly Jobless Claims Tick Higher?

The weekly jobless claims report is a key economic indicator that provides insights into the health of the labor market. It reports the number of people who have filed for unemployment benefits in the previous week, and is released every Thursday by the U.S. Department of Labor. When the number of jobless claims ticks higher, it indicates that more people are losing their jobs and can provide clues about the state of the economy. In this blog post, we’ll explore some of the factors that can cause weekly jobless claims to tick higher.

Economic Downturns

One of the most significant factors that can cause weekly jobless claims to tick higher is an economic downturn. When the economy is in a recession or experiencing slow growth, companies may need to lay off employees to cut costs. This can lead to an increase in the number of people who file for unemployment benefits, causing jobless claims to tick higher.

Seasonal Factors

Seasonal factors can also impact weekly jobless claims. Certain industries, such as construction and agriculture, are more affected by seasonal changes than others. For example, construction workers may be laid off during the winter months when construction projects slow down due to colder weather. Similarly, agricultural workers may be laid off during the offseason when there is less demand for their services. These seasonal factors can cause jobless claims to tick higher during certain times of the year.

Natural Disasters

Natural disasters, such as hurricanes, floods, and wildfires, can also cause jobless claims to tick higher. When businesses are damaged or destroyed by natural disasters, they may need to lay off employees until they can rebuild or relocate. This can cause a temporary spike in jobless claims. Additionally, natural disasters can disrupt supply chains and cause other economic disruptions, which can lead to job losses and higher jobless claims.

Technological Advances

Technological advances can also impact jobless claims. When new technologies are introduced, they can lead to automation and job displacement. For example, the rise of e-commerce has led to the closure of many brick-and-mortar retail stores and the loss of retail jobs. Similarly, the increasing use of robots and artificial intelligence in manufacturing has led to the displacement of many factory workers. These technological advances can cause jobless claims to tick higher as workers are displaced by new technologies.

Policy Changes

Policy changes can also impact jobless claims. For example, changes in government regulations or tax policies can impact business operations and lead to job losses. Additionally, changes in trade policies or international relations can impact industries that rely on imports or exports, leading to job losses and higher jobless claims. Political instability or uncertainty can also impact jobless claims by causing businesses to delay investments or expansion plans, leading to job losses.

Public Health Crises

Public health crises, such as pandemics, can also impact jobless claims. When businesses are forced to close or reduce operations due to public health concerns, they may need to lay off employees to cut costs. Additionally, public health crises can lead to disruptions in supply chains, causing job losses in industries that rely on imports or exports. The COVID-19 pandemic is a recent example of a public health crisis that caused a significant increase in jobless claims.

Weekly Jobless Claims

In conclusion, there are several factors that can cause weekly jobless claims to tick higher. These include economic downturns, seasonal factors, natural disasters, technological advances, policy changes, and public health crises. By monitoring these factors, policymakers and economists can gain insights into the state of the labor market and make informed decisions to support job growth and economic recovery.

To learn more please reach out and connect with a consultant.