Just released unemployment figures show how hard the coronavirus crisis is hitting the state’s economy, with the largest hike since 1976. The jobless rate went from a record low of 3.9% in February to 5.3% in March.
The numbers are expected to continue to grow in April.
The Central and South Coasts are reflecting the statewide trend.
The jobless rate in Ventura County went from 3.7% in February to 4.6% in March. Santa Barbara County’s unemployment figure increased by a full percent from month to month, going from 4.6% to 5.6%. And, San Luis Obispo County’s jobless rate went from 3% in February to 3.8% in March.
Two thirds of the job losses reported statewide in March were in the leisure and restuarant industries.