Unemployment rate increases in March
Employment in Missouri decreased by 20,900 jobs over the month, and 12-month employment growth was lower than the March 2019 figure. The state’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate was 4.5 percent, up by one percentage point from the February 2020 rate of 3.5 percent.
The full impact of COVID-19 is not reflected in the March labor market data but is expected to be reflected in the April 2020 jobs report.
Responding to COVID-19
The Missouri Department of Economic Development is committed to assisting with the state’s COVID-19 response. We're working alongside other state agencies to help the medical field, communities, and businesses in several ways. These include:
- Valuable resources including health and safety guidance, financial relief and assistance, closure and layoff support, and regulatory changes and extensions. Learn more here.
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The Missouri Disaster Medical Assistance Team is recruiting health care workers. To join the reserve, click here.
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Missouri One Start is connecting unemployed workers with essential businesses that are hiring. To see companies hiring in your area, click here.
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DED is working diligently with SEMA to source or manufacture PPE. If you are interested in helping, please click here.
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The Department of Social Services has created the Missouri Services Navigator to help find essential services such as food banks, diaper banks, school meal programs, and more. Check it out here.
- Broadband providers are offering waivers and free services. For more about broadband resources, click here.
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USDA Rural Development has compiled resources to help those in rural areas. Find out more here.
Stay at Home Order: Business Guidance
Missouri's statewide Stay at Home order took effect Monday, April 6, 2020, and extends through Friday, April 24, 2020, in response to COVID-19. For guidance and criteria to determine businesses that cannot continue for the time being, click here.
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