(LEX 18) — New data released Thursday morning shows Kentucky has the highest unemployment rate in the country.
The new data, released by Fitch Ratings, says when it comes to cumulative initial unemployment claims, Kentucky has the highest percentage of its labor force that filed for unemployment with 36.3%.
While all states are dealing with unemployment due to COVID-19, the data suggests Kentucky is one of hardest-hit states in terms of employment losses compared to most other states, and to the national levels.
The data includes advance claims filed through the week of May 9. Researchers say the unemployment claims data is preliminary, subject to revision, and affected by various factors including recent federal changes to eligibility and states’ capacity to accept and process claims.
