North Hennepin News

Minnesota’s unemployment numbers sank according to the seasonally focused records published for November, the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) reported.

The totals are down to 4.4% for November, which is below the 4.6% that was declared in October.

The November employment totals were collected before Nov. 21. The state's number of unemployed residents fell even during the ban on in-person service that was required in restaurants and bars. At the time, bars and restaurants were briefly barred from allowing in-person dining.

Additionally, fitness and entertainment centers were momentarily closed in an effort to stop the spread of the coronavirus.

DEED staff highlighted in a press release that they foresee a hopeful result soon.

“We can see the light at the end of the tunnel, but many Minnesota workers and businesses still have several tough months ahead while vaccinations are distributed and the pandemic is brought under control,” DEED Commissioner Steve Grove said in a press release. “Bipartisan support for relief targeted to suffering Minnesota small businesses and unemployed workers means help is on the way. This assistance serves as a bridge to hold people over until the arrival of additional federal funding, which remains essential for economic recovery over the coming months.”