KANSAS CITY, Mo. — According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the U.S. lost 140,000 jobs in December.
The report shows the unemployment rate remained the same at 6.7 percent and the number of unemployed persons remains unchanged at 10.7 million. Both numbers are lower than April but are nearly twice their pre-pandemic levels in February.
The report, released Friday, said the decline in jobs reflects the recent increase in coronavirus cases and efforts to contain the pandemic.
Job losses in leisure and hospitality and in private education were partially offset by gains in professional and business services, retail trade, and construction. However, those industries are still well below their pre-pandemic levels.
According to the report, leisure and hospitality jobs decreased by 498,000. 372,000 of those were in food services and drinking places.
Unemployed Missourians and Kansans say it's difficult to get a job in any industry currently.
Miller, Missouri resident Sandy Mondragon said she's applied to factory, industrial, fast food and customer service jobs since being laid off due to the pandemic last March.
"It's been rough trying to find a new job, I mean it's been really rough," Mondragon said.
After months of searching, Mondragon finally got a job as a customer service representative. She said knowing she'll have a steady income is a weight off her shoulders.
"That way I can get my bills paid on time," Mondragon said.
It's the same struggle for Olathe resident Codi Carlton.
"I've never had this much difficulty finding a job in customer service especially," Carlton said.
Carlton said she's hopeful things will look up as COVID-19 vaccines are rolling out.
"I'm hopeful I can get my feet planted somewhere sooner rather than later," Carlton said.
