The number of Americans filing new claims for unemployment last week shot up 55,000 to 286,000. That's the biggest increase since last July, and it marked the third straight week that claims have risen.....as the record rise in COVID-19 cases disrupted business activity.
Worker shortages caused by Omicron through absenteeism, reduced operations or temporary business closures, could result in payrolls gains remaining moderate this month.
The economy added 199,000 jobs in December, the fewest in a year. The workforce is about 2.2 million people smaller than before the pandemic.
