TOPEKA – Preliminary estimates reported by the Labor Market Information Services division of the Kansas Department of Labor (KDOL) and the Bureau of Labor Statistics show a seasonally adjusted unemployment rate of 3.8 percent in December. This was a decrease from 5.1 percent in November and an increase from 3.1 percent in December 2019.
“The unemployment rate fell in December, but remains significantly higher than the pre-pandemic rate,” said Acting Secretary Brett Flachsbarth. “The federal unemployment benefit programs that initially expired on December 26th were extended and the Kansas Department of Labor is currently evaluating guidelines from the United States Department of Labor and working to implement these CARES Act extensions and bring much-needed relief to eligible claimants.”
After increasing to 4 percent in November, the Ellis County jobless rate fell to 2.6 percent in December. Only Russell, Rooks and Graham counties broke the 3 percent threshold in northwest Kansas, with several counties posting jobless rates below 2 percent — all at or near pre-COVID-19 levels.
Seasonally adjusted job estimates indicate total Kansas nonfarm jobs increased by 2,300 from November. Private sector jobs, a subset of total nonfarm jobs, increased by 4,500 from the previous month, while government decreased by 2,200.
“The private sector added 4,500 jobs in December. Multiple industries contributed to this growth, with the largest gains in the retail trade industry,” said Labor Economist Emilie Doerksen. “Some of these gains were offset by a decline in the accommodation and food services industry, which has been significantly impacted by the pandemic.”
Since December 2019, Kansas seasonally adjusted total nonfarm jobs have declined by 60,200. This change is due to a decrease of 45,100 private sector jobs and 15,100 government jobs.
BLS revised seasonally adjusted preliminary total nonfarm jobs estimates for November upward by 500 jobs, from 1,365,000 to 1,365,500. Seasonally adjusted private sector jobs were revised upward by 1,100 jobs, from 1,117,100 to 1,118,200.
The January 2021 Labor Report will be released March 5.
