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Labor Dept. says St. Lawrence County's March unemployment tally taken prior to lockdown

Posted 4/24/20

The Department of Labor reports that St. Lawrence County's unemployment rate rose slightly in March, but the measurement was taken prior to the closure of schools and non-essential businesses. "While …

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Labor Dept. says St. Lawrence County's March unemployment tally taken prior to lockdown

Posted

The Department of Labor reports that St. Lawrence County's unemployment rate rose slightly in March, but the measurement was taken prior to the closure of schools and non-essential businesses.

"While these data broadly reflect the impact of the coronavirus pandemic and related public health efforts on the state’s labor market, it is important to note the March reference period for this survey occurred before many coronavirus-related business and school closures were implemented. In addition, data collection rates were lower than normal due to coronavirus-related challenges. As a result, the scope of coronavirus-related unemployment from March is not fully reflected in these figures. Other datasets on the Department of Labor’s website may provide additional information on the impact of the coronavirus pandemic on New York’s economy," DOL said.

St. Lawrence County had a 6.6% unemployment rate in March 2020, up from 6.2% in March 2019, DOL said, with 2,900 and 2,700 people receiving benefits in the respective two months. There were 40,400 people working last month and 40,600 in March 2019, DOL said.

In Franklin County, the unemployment rate was 6.1% last month, up from 5.7% in March 2019. There were 1,200 people receiving unemployment benefits last month and 1,100 in the same month last year. There were 18,300 people employed in the county in March 2020 and 18,400 the same month last year, DOL said.

In Jefferson County, the unemployment rate was 7.5% last month, compared to 6.4% in March 2019. They had 3,200 people on the dole in March 2020 and 2,800 in March 2019. There were 40,200 people employed last month and 40,700 the same month last year, DOL said.

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