The Oxford Economics analysts said the pandemic unemployment benefits may be a factor limiting labor supply. May 21, 2021 04:27 BST American states are moving to cut pandemic unemployment benefits, a painful blow for millions of people who will soon be left without income. With punishing jobless levels during the Covid-19 pandemic, unemployment benefits had been extended -- especially to the self-employed -- and extended further until September 6, even for those who had reached the maximum duration. But now 21 out of 27 states governed by Republicans -- including Missouri, Alaska, West Virginia, Indiana and Georgia -- will soon reduce or eliminate additional unemployment aid, according to a note from analysts at Oxford Economics out Wednesday.