Minnesota’s Unemployment Rate Rose to 9.9 Percent In May

Minnesota’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate rose to 9.9 percent in May according to numbers released by the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development. The number of people unemployed in the state increased 35,770 to 302,741 in May.

"Our economy is facing an unprecedented challenge, which these numbers reflect. Slight job increases this month are a positive sign, but the employment rebound will continue to vary greatly by sector," said DEED Commissioner Steve Grove.

"DEED is working with other state agencies, business and labor leaders and public health experts to get Minnesotans back to work as quickly and safely as possible."

May’s employment numbers capture the job situation immediately prior to the lifting of the Stay at Home order and the phased reopening of non-critical sector businesses in the state, according to a news release.

The rapid changes in employment due to the pandemic have proved difficult to measure using traditional methodologies, officials said.

After review of the numbers, April’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate has been revised up to 8.7 percent from 8.1 percent, an unusually large revision.

Gains in May were led by leisure and hospitality up 13,800 jobs, with accommodation and food service gaining 11,900 of the jobs. Retail trade gained 10,300 jobs, followed by construction up 7,100 and other services (including personal services) up 3,500, and health care & social assistance up 3,100.

Seasonally adjusted losses in May were led by government, which was down 17,700 jobs, with 16,300 of those losses in local government. Other large seasonally adjusted job losses were in information, down 1,700 and manufacturing, down 1,200 jobs.

U.S. unemployment decreased 1.4 points to 13.3 percent on a seasonally adjusted basis in May. The U.S. gained 2.5 million payroll jobs in May, up 1.9 percent with the private sector gaining 3.1 million, up 2.8 percent on a seasonally adjusted basis.