Thread by @rose_khattar

Tomorrow is #jobsday! So, it feels like a good time to remind everyone that those with less than a high school diploma are being left behind in this recovery.

Since Feb 2020, nearly 1 million people with less than a high school diploma have been forced out of the labor force.

These labor force losses are much larger than those experienced by groups with higher levels of educational attainment – in fact, those with at least a bachelor’s degree have actually seen labor force gains over this time 👇

While the unemployment rate amongst those with less than a high school diploma is higher than other groups (& really high for Black workers), the huge labor force declines mask the extent of joblessness. Remember, those not counted in the labor force aren’t counted as unemployed.

While disappointing, this is not surprising. The top 5 jobs held by those with less than a high school diploma are: (1) Janitors & Building Cleaners; (2) Drivers/Sales Workers; (3) Construction Laborers; (4) Housekeepers; & (5) Cooks.

What do these jobs have in common? They are all in-person occupations that have been adversely affected by the pandemic. Oh, and they are also all low-paid occupations, many without access to critical benefits such as paid leave, and typically held by workers of color.

While those with less than a high school diploma tend to be left behind in recessions, this time around the situation is significantly worse 👇

None of this was inevitable. Strengthening public education for all, higher pay, access to paid sick leave and better protections for in-person occupations could have helped prevent this outcome.

There is no recovery without those with less than a high school diploma.