Millions of Americans are feeling like their old jobs may never return amid the pandemic and economic downturn.
Many are pessimistic about their pre-COVID job. An AP-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research poll finds 47% think their lost job is definitely or probably not coming back. Workforce Solutions Principal Economist Parker Harvey says the Houston area isn't as bad as in other parts of the country, but businesses are still struggling.
“Things like for example, personal care, because of the very nature of those jobs, those are going to have a tough time coming back anywhere near the level they were pre-COVID. But things like non-essential retail, let’s say apparel retailers, there is a mechanism to minimize contact,” Harvey told KTRH.
Harvey adds six percent of jobs in Houston’s restaurant industry have returned in the last two months. The local leisure and hospitality services and the transportation industry, in general, saw big gains in June.