Colorado’s unemployment rate remained unchanged for a second consecutive month in November at 6.4%, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported Friday.

While little appeared changed in the state’s job market last month,the numbers come from a survey of households conducted during the second week of November, so they don’t reflect widespread restrictions on businesses imposed in most urban counties later in the month that have triggered widespread job losses, especially in hotels and restaurants.

Colorado pandemic unemployment claims highest since program’s first week

Ryan Gedney, senior economist for the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment, said unemployment numbers for December and January, scheduled for release Jan. 22 and March 15, respectively, will reflect job losses since business restrictions were imposed. Since Nov. 14, more than 144,000 first-time claims for unemployment benefits have been filed with the department from payroll workers as well as self-employed persons, independent contractors and “gig workers.” That represents 4.6% of the state’s labor force, which would increase the state’s unemployment rate to 11% if all claims are verified.

A separate survey of businesses revealed payroll job losses of 6,700 in November, with cutbacks in hotels and restaurants, schools and financial services as many businesses anticipated restrictions and schools shifted to remote learning. Those losses more than offset gains in professional and business services, which includes most military contractors, as well as trade, transportation and utilities. Those numbers don’t include self-employed, independent contractors and “gig” workers.

December revenue forecast shows short-term weakness in state economy but better days ahead

Among Colorado metro areas, the jobless rate in Colorado Springs remained unchanged at 6%, fell in both the Denver and Boulder areas to 6.4% and 5.1%, respectively, and increased in Fort Collins, Grand Junction, Greeley and Pueblo. The Steel City’s unemployment rate has risen a full percentage point to 8.3% since August and is now at its highest level since June.

The federal agency also revised its estimate of October’s job gains downward by 500 to 20,600, based on additional responses it received from businesses and government agencies since that month’s survey.

The Colorado Department of Labor and Employment Friday estimated about 280,000 Colorado residents will lose unemployment benefits Dec. 26 when two federal programs expire.

Those residents receive benefits under the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance program, which provides benefits for self-employed persons, independent contractors and “gig” workers who lost work as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, and Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation, which provides an extra 13 weeks of benefits to all claimants. Both were part of coronavirus relief legislation enacted in March.

Congress is considering a second relief package that would extend both programs until April 19 and provide an extra $300 a week in benefits to all benefits. Cher Roybal Haavind, the department’s deputy director, said those benefits likely wouldn’t start in Colorado until late January or early February so the department can complete a major upgrade of its unemployment computer system and incorporate U.S. Department of Labor guidelines resulting from the legislation, should it be enacted.

Wayne Heilman, The Gazette