Research & Data

San Diego’s labor market scored a solid win in February as companies added workers to their payrolls and the jobless rate fell. This followed two months of disappointing performance and suggests that the region will now continue to move forward.

San Diego’s job market continued to reflect the ravages of COVID-19 in January as infection rates soared and widespread lockdowns caused layoffs. Fortunately, the worst should now be fading as vaccination spreads throughout the county.

Service-sector businesses and their workers can benefit from more predictable and stable work schedules. The San Diego Workforce Partnership is working with businesses to develop innovative scheduling strategies because we believe stable schedules serve the “double bottom line”—both increasing profits (primarily through savings on turnover and absenteeism) and increasing workers’ quality of life.

San Diego’s job market ended 2020 on a somber note as soaring Covid-19 infection rates shuttered many restaurants, entertainment venues, hotels, and other businesses. Overall payrolls fell in the region for the first time since July and the jobless rate lurched higher.

San Diego’s job market at the surface appeared strong in November, but deeper analysis reveals red flags. The jobless rate fell primarily due to a drop in the labor force and much of the job advance was seasonal.

San Diego’s jobs market displayed further steps towards recovery in October as companies recalled workers and stepped up hiring. Even as many people returned to the workforce or looked for jobs, the unemployment rate fell from September’s 9.0% to 7.7%, seasonally

San Diego’s jobs recovery continued in September, but many companies and individuals continue to struggle with the ravages of the pandemic. The region added jobs but at half the pace seen in August. Unemployment fell, but the jobless rate is

Unemployment rate decreases to 12.3% in July San Diego’s job recovery stumbled in July as the County was placed on California’s COVID-19 watch list. While employment increased after adjusting for seasonal swings, July’s gain was a fraction of June’s encouraging advance.

The history of systemic racism in America—and San Diego in particular—has created a regional economy in which people of color do not have access to the same opportunities as white San Diegans. As a result, even controlling for age, gender and education, Black San Diegans make $10,500 less than their white peers.

San Diego’s job recovery stumbled in July as the County was placed on California’s COVID-19 watch list. While employment increased after adjusting for seasonal swings, July’s gain was a fraction of June’s encouraging advance. Removal from the State’s list might help this fall but many businesses and individuals are now coping with the loss of government benefits.