Transmission of material in this news release is embargoed until USDL-21-0365 8:30 a.m. (ET) Friday, March 5, 2021 Technical information: Household data:
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[email protected] THE EMPLOYMENT SITUATION — FEBRUARY 2021 Total nonfarm payroll employment rose by 379,000 in February, and the unemployment rate was little changed at 6.2 percent, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported today. The labor market continued to reflect the impact of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. In February, most of the job gains occurred in leisure and hospitality, with smaller gains in temporary help services, health care and social assistance, retail trade, and manufacturing. Employment declined in state and local government education, construction, and mining. Chart 1. Unemployment rate, seasonally adjusted, Chart 2. Nonfarm payroll employment, seasonally adjusted, February 2019 – February 2021 February 2019 – February 2021 Percent Thousands 16.0 160,000 14.0 155,000 12.0 150,000 10.0 145,000 8.0 140,000 6.0 135,000 4.0 130,000 2.0 125,000 Feb-19 May-19 Aug-19 Nov-19 Feb-20 May-20 Aug-20 Nov-20 Feb-21 Feb-19 May-19 Aug-19 Nov-19 Feb-20 May-20 Aug-20 Nov-20 Feb-21 Effect of Severe Winter Storms on Employment Estimates Severe winter weather occurred in much of the country during the February reference periods for the establishment and household surveys. For information on how weather can affect data on employment and hours, see Question 8 in the Frequently Asked Questions section of this news release.