Good afternoon everyone,
As noted in this space earlier in the week, Delaware saw its busiest week in years when it came to business news.
Previous expansion at Amazon added up to more jobs. But the sheer volume of business news is the highest we have seen since this digital venture was launched eight years ago.
Even our personnel news file was filled to overflowing this week.
Granted, we see the result of economic changes that moved into hyperdrive during the pandemic – one big example being last-mile deliveries to businesses and homes.
Friday’s February unemployment figures also brought a sobering reminder of how far we have to go.
Delaware’s jobless rate now stands at 6.3 percent, up slightly from a month ago.
The higher rate also reflects a stalled jobs recovery that became apparent during the winter wave of Covid-19 cases, and as stimulus and unemployment payment, the money ran out. (See story below).
The recently passed American Rescue Plan should provide a boost in the coming months.
Still, the yearly loss of 10,000 jobs in hospitality (restaurants, hotels, food service) and another 5,000 in education and health care continue to weigh on the economy.
Enjoy your weekend. Our newsletter returns on Monday. – Doug and Sharon Rainey
