Speak Up: Slight uptick in Delaware’s jobless rate, while national figure declines

Delaware’s unemployment rate rose slightly in February, even as the country’s saw a small drop. According to data released by the Delaware Department of Labor, 6.3% of the state’s labor force was not employed last month, up from 6.1% the prior month. Nationally, the jobless rate went from 6.3% to 6.2%. In February 2020, the last full month before COVID-19 arrived in the First State, 4.5% of Delawareans were out of work. For the country as a whole, the figure was 3.5%. The First State’s jobless rate skyrocketed from 4.8% to 13.4% from March to April last year. It remained at similar levels in May and June, before slipping down to 8.3% in July. Unemployment continued declining until October, when it hit 5.7%.

• I don’t understand. There seem to be “Help Wanted” signs everywhere. — Thomas J. Chilton

• Kids aren’t in school full time. Parents can’t work. — Beth Gallagher

• Thanks, Joe. — Bob Hice

• Employers are battling expanded unemployment payments and stimulus checks; I’m dealing with this daily. I support both, as a lot of people really need it, but the result is undeniable and, hopefully, temporary. — Philip Chilton