A new report by the Economic Policy Institute projects that 300,000 jobs could be lost across Washington State by the summer due to the financial impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The report projects 14 million jobs could be lost nationwide by this summer. If the projections hold, the job losses would represent 11% of Washington State’s private-sector employment.
“In addition to federal action, lawmakers at the state and local levels must do everything they can to ensure that these workers and their families do not suffer economically during this time,” the report said.
Gov. Jay Inslee last week closed down all restaurants, bars and entertainment facilities — except for takeout and delivery services. On Monday, Inslee went a step further, announcing a stay-at-home order, which closed all nonessential businesses and banned all gatherings.
Small businesses across the state are now struggling as workers worry about making ends meet. Over the past week, Washington saw an 843% increase in applications for unemployment benefits, with more than 133,000 people applying for the benefits.
