A study that analyzed unemployment recipients in Illinois during a period of high unemployment, from 2001 through 2003, concluded that workers in lower-paying industries are far less likely to access unemployment benefits than workers in higher-paying industries. The study also found that unemployed women and minorities are less likely to collect unemployment benefits. The fact that low-wage employees are more likely to work part time was cited as one of several reasons for the low-wage benefits gap.
See "Jobless pay gap for lower earners", Barbara Rose, Chicago Tribune, January 6, 2005