Happy Labor Day, Much Like Last Year

Posted by marykeating on September 6, 2010 under Economic situation | Be the First to Comment

For better or worse, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that the unemployment picture looks much the same as last year this time.  A large amount of temporary census workers have been laid off, as expected.  In addition, more people are classified as “discouraged workers,” meaning people who are not looking for work because they don’t think there are jobs open to them.  More people are employed part-time for economic reasons, meaning they would work more if the hours were offered.

Health care employment is up, and manufacturing is down.  The report refrains from drawing conclusions, but seems to see no significant trends.