Since the start of the year, many countries have experienced one of the most challenging times in their history through an unseen enemy that no army with the most advanced and destructive machinery can defeat. Currently, the world is awaiting scientists to make a vaccine or cure for the deadly illness that had taken the lives of millions across the world. 

Jobs were lost. Thousands had applied for unemployment benefits. However, while many companies across the countries are letting go of their employees, Amazon had offered thousands of job openings due to the increasing demand for their delivery services amid the pandemic.

Amazon Jobs

Based on an article, it was revealed that Seattle was one of the places in the country that had reported positive employment growth. This may be due to the increased activities of Amazon, a company that is based in Seattle, caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Also, as the need for the delivery services of Amazon increased amid the lockdown and stay-at-home orders, the company had opened job opportunities than letting go of its employees. 

Furthermore, a recent article revealed that Amazon plans to continue the employment of 125,000 workers it hired out of the 175,000 it temporarily employed during the lockdown orders. The 125,000 workers will be given the opportunity for permanent positions with the company, says the article. 

According to an article, the employees who are with Amazon are 55 thousand. Also, they plan to hire 9,000 more. 

Essential vs Non-Essential

The workforce have been greatly affected by the lockdown. Many had lost their jobs. 

Also, business operations had changed due to the pandemic. After the lockdown orders were given by various states across the United States of America, many businesses had also temporarily closed. Businesses that were deemed nonessential by the state where they operate were asked by the local government to postpone their operations amid the stay-at-home orders to prevent the further spread of the novel coronavirus. Businesses that provide essential goods and services to the community were permitted by their state's leaders to serve the community. One of the businesses that were deemed essential was companies that offer delivery services. 

Not only the companies that had to stop operations as they were classified as nonessential had to let go many of their employees, but even the businesses that were deemed essential also had to let go many of their staff due to the extra costs they had to incur to provide protection for their employees and customers and the regular cleaning of workspaces. Also, these businesses had reduced earnings as fewer people go outside and choosing delivery services as possible.  

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The Unemployment Rate in the United States

Based on an article, the United States had a 14.7 percent increase in unemployment in April. Comparing the amount to March's unemployment rate which is 4.4 percent, it is evident that there has been a significant increase in people losing their jobs in April amid the coronavirus pandemic. 

Hispanic and Black communities whose members are part of the workforce have been predicted to suffer more from the increased unemployment rate in the country, says the article. Moreover, the article reveals that the unemployment rate for Hispanics is 18.9 percent while the black communities' unemployment rate is 16.7 percent. Both are higher than the national unemployment rate.