N.J. has nation’s 2nd highest unemployment rate even as we reopen. What that means for our economy

July 27, 2020

New Jersey is the only state in the nation to see the number of new coronavirus cases drop in the last two weeks, but the pandemic’s financial impact continues to grow, according to a new Rutgers study.

The economic freeze, fueled by coronavirus restrictions that shut down businesses for months and urged residents to stay home, has found the Garden State experiencing historic losses and rebounds that would typically take years happen in just a few weeks.

James Hughes, economist and University professor at Rutgers University, warns the unstable economy is a “life force of its own.”

And that, he said, makes it hard to predict the long-term impact on New Jersey, which already finds itself among the worst in the nation for unemployment.

NJ.com, July 27, 2020

Recent Posts

Heldrich Center: Updated Multi-State Postsecondary Report Released

The Heldrich Center for Workforce Development has announced the release of an updated Multi-State Postsecondary Report, linking postsecondary completion data to employment outcomes across Kentucky, New Jersey, Ohio, Rhode Island, Tennessee, and Virginia. This effort...

Cantor, Yedidia Identify Strategies to Provide Health Care to Homeless

Through cooperation, homeless services and health care providers can improve delivery of medical care to a vulnerable population, according to Rutgers researchers published by Rutgers Today, December 17, 2025 Author: Greg Bruno Media Contact: Nicole Swenarton, Rutgers...

“Work Trends RU” Podcast with Beth Simone Noveck, Ph.D.

Beth Simone Noveck, Ph.D., Chief AI Strategist for the State of New Jersey, Guests on Work Trends RU Podcast Listen to the latest episode of the Heldrich Center’s “Work Trends RU” podcast, featuring Beth Simone Noveck, Ph.D., Chief AI Strategist for the State of New...

Prof. Andrews Interviewed About New Jersey’s Propane Emergency

RINGWOOD, N.J. (PIX11) — It’s a phrase that brings to mind natural disasters, like hurricanes or blizzards, but a state of emergency has now gone into effect in New Jersey over propane deliveries. As is the case in most natural disasters, this state of emergency...