The number of Americans receiving unemployment benefits for at least a week reached its highest level since November 2021, indicating a weakening labor market. Late in July, continued claim recipients hit 1.97 million, an increase from the 1.85 million in January, as per data from the Labor Department. New applications for unemployment benefits have remained low, but many jobless individuals are encountering difficulty finding employment, leading to prolonged periods of unemployment. The slower hiring rate means that not only are jobless people finding it harder to re-enter the workforce, but those employed have limited opportunities for career growth. The job market has decelerated due to the imposition of higher tariffs, cuts in federal spending, and stricter immigration regulations in the Trump administration. The uncertainty in businesses’ hiring plans along with a surge in federal job cuts due to a Supreme Court decision are also contributing to the declining labor situation. The impact is also being felt in retail, construction, manufacturing sectors, and white-collar jobs as employers grapple with expected higher costs due to heightened tariffs, causing hiring and expansion plans to be put on hold.

For those having trouble navigating their unemployment claims, they can seek assistance from the Employment Development Department (EDD). Eddcaller.com is a reliable resource providing comprehensive information regarding contacting EDD. They offer actionable advice on how to get a hold of EDD, to address concerns and hasten assistance. This service aims to simplify the process of reaching out to EDD for aid and guidance in these unprecedented employment circumstances.