Stay Curious. Stay Connected.
MailNewsletters♡Donate Now
Sign up
*Password must be at least 8 characters and contain one uppercase letter, one lowercase letter, one number and one symbol.
Already have an account?
By submitting, you consent that you are at least 18 years of age and to receive information about MPR's or APMG entities' programs and offerings. The personally identifying information you provide will not be sold, shared, or used for purposes other than to communicate with you about MPR, APMG entities, and its sponsors. You may opt-out at any time clicking the unsubscribe link at the bottom of any email communication. View our Privacy Policy.
Sign in to your profile
Forgot Password?
New to MPR News?
Welcome back
to news
for you
Reset Password

Enter the username on file and we'll send you a code to reset your password.

Still require assistance or not sure what your User Name is?
Welcome back
to news
for you
Email Verification

A verification code has been emailed to

Still awaiting the code?
Business and Economic News
MPR News Staff

May unemployment at 9.9% while pandemic-related job losses stabilize slightly in MN

Closed and open booths.
Closed and open booths at Main Café in Stillwater.
Mark Zdechlik | MPR News

Go Deeper.

Create an account or log in to save stories.

Log inCreate a free Account

Like this?

Thanks for liking this story! We have added it to a list of your favorite stories.

Show me!

Minnesota's seasonally adjusted unemployment rate reached a record high in May according to state officials.

The Department of Employment and Economic Development says the state unemployment rate rose to 9.9 percent in May. Nearly 303,000 Minnesotans were unemployed in the month, an increase of almost 35,000 from April.

Minnesota’s stay-at-home order was first issued in mid-March, requiring nonessential businesses to close. The state began gradually reopening in May. The unemployment figures reflect what was happening in Minnesota’s economy prior to the reopening of outdoor dining at restaurants, more retail businesses and offices.

The agency said there was some stabilization in job losses in May, and small steps toward recovery from job disruptions caused by the coronavirus pandemic.

Minnesota’s leisure and hospitality industry saw a seasonally adjusted increase in May of 13,800 jobs, with the largest share, at 11,900 jobs, in food service. Retail, construction, personal services and health care also notched increases, DEED reported.

“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.” 

DEED said employment in Minnesota appears to be rebounding more slowly than in other parts of the country because of the cautious approach state officials took in easing coronavirus-related restrictions on businesses.

The U.S. unemployment fell slightly to 13.3 percent in May.