Employment in South Coast: July 2020 South Coast Slowly But Surely Recovering from Pandemic Job Losses, Aug. 26

Oregon Employment Dept. release – Coos County total payroll employment fell by 40 jobs in July, mostly due to a seasonal decline of 330 jobs in local government education. Private-sector employment increased by 260 jobs over the month. The largest increase was in leisure and hospitality, which rose by 200 jobs. Smaller increases were estimated in professional and business services (+60) and construction (+30). Both transportation, warehousing, and utilities as well as private education and health services gained 20 jobs in July. Government employment fell by 300 jobs, most of the decline in the local government education component. Over the year total payroll employment fell by 1,960 jobs, a drop of 8.6 percent. The largest decline, accounting for about one-quarter of total job losses, was in leisure and hospitality (-500). Job losses were widespread outside of a few jobs gained over the year in food stores (+10) and general merchandise stores (+10). Sectors with substantial job loss also included retail trade (-210); private education and health services (-140); professional and business services (-100); construction (-60); and manufacturing (-20). Government employment fell by 710 over the year with losses estimated in local education (-310); Indian tribal (-310); and state government (-110). Curry County added 130 jobs over the month, with 170 of those in leisure and hospitality. Small gains were also estimated in health care, construction, retail, and other services. Government employment fell by 100 in July, with the loss in the local government education component. Over the year, total payroll employment fell by 870 jobs, down 12.6 percent. Large declines occurred in leisure and hospitality jobs (-400) along with losses in retail trade (-100); private education and health services (-90); manufacturing (-80) and financial activities (-60).