Sep 6, 2021 - Economy

More than 7 million people lose unemployment benefits on Labor Day

A "now hiring" sign hanging in a store window in New York City in August 2021.

A "now hiring" sign hanging in a store window in New York City in August 2021. Photo: Spencer Platt/Getty Images

More than 7 million unemployed people will lose their jobless benefits on Monday after federal programs expire, according to the Washington Post.

Why it matters: The expiration of benefits comes as the Delta variant continues to weigh on the U.S. economy.

By the numbers: The U.S. added only about 235,000 jobs last month, according to the latest jobs report.

  • It was significantly fewer than economists expected and the smallest increase since January.

The big picture: The Century Foundation estimated last month that 7.5 million workers receiving two federal unemployment assistance programs will be cut off from aid.

  • It also determined that the cutoff will disproportionately affect people of color and women.

Go deeper: Biden: "No question" Delta variant is to blame for poor jobs report

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