Unprecedented Job Losses in the First Quarter of 2021: How Many Were Lost and Which Sectors Were Affected

In the first quarter of 2021, the number of jobs lost in the United States was 139,800. This marks the most significant loss since the pandemic began and was only surpassed by a similar amount in 2020. The destruction of full-time jobs accounted for this decline, with a total decrease of 199,700 positions. This was accompanied by the creation of 59,900 part-time positions. For every part-time job created, three full-time jobs were lost. This ratio was almost one to one in the first quarter of 2020.

The sectors that experienced significant losses in full-time employment included professional and scientific activities, financial and insurance services, wholesale and retail trade, public administration, defense, social security, and household activities as employers. On the other hand, education, hospitality, commerce, arts and recreation