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Labor & Economic News Blog

Tuesday, August 26, 2014

Federal agencies aren’t paying scientists and technologists what they could

Federal agencies aren’t paying scientists and technologists what they could So-called “Critical Position Pay Authority” has been around for nearly 25 years and, a new report finds, is almost never used today.

 

Uncertainty for Workers Losing Jobs at Atlantic City Casinos

Uncertainty for Workers Losing Jobs at Atlantic City Casinos
The effect on a city that already had an unemployment rate of about 13 percent will be seismic, said James W. Hughes, the dean of the Edward J. Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy at Rutgers University. After the pending layoffs, the number of casino jobs will have been cut in half in just eight years, about three times as fast as the state’s manufacturing industry declined, Mr. Hughes said. 

 

A New Reason to Question the Official Unemployment Rate

A New Reason to Question the Official Unemployment Rate
An academic paper finds that people’s answers change over the months that the government surveys them, likely understating the official jobless rate.

 

Tuesday, August 19, 2014

In the Sharing Economy, Workers Find Both Freedom and Uncertainty

In the Sharing Economy, Workers Find Both Freedom and Uncertainty
Workers are their own bosses in the so-called sharing economy, but that flexibility also brings much uncertainty — and few of the protections of full-time work.

 

Among the Poor, Women Feel Inequality More Deeply

Among the Poor, Women Feel Inequality More Deeply
Women are more likely than men to be in a minimum-wage job, and they’re also more likely to be raising a family on their own.

 

Thursday, August 14, 2014

Many Big Employers Plan To Offer Skimpy Health Options ...

Many Big Employers Plan To Offer Skimpy Health Options
Many thought such skimpy coverage once the health law was fully implemented this year. Instead, 16 percent of large employers in a by the National Business Group on Health said they will offer in 2015 these so-called skinny plans along with at least one insurance option that does qualify under ACA standards

 

Britain’s Recovery Gains Momentum, but Wages Slip

Britain’s Recovery Gains Momentum, but Wages Slip
The Bank of England raised slightly its forecast for growth and indicated it was moving closer to gradually increasing interest rates if wages improve.

 

Can Family Leave Policies Be Too Generous? It Seems So

Can Family Leave Policies Be Too Generous? It Seems So
In countries with family-friendly policies, women are likelier to stay in the labor force, but less likely to reach positions of real power.

 

As Work Shifts Vary, Family’s Only Constant Is Chaos

As Work Shifts Vary, Family’s Only Constant Is Chaos
Increasing numbers of low-income mothers and fathers are at the center of a new collision that pits workplace scheduling technology against the routines of parenting.

 

Friday, August 08, 2014

Loss of mid-wage jobs hampers state's growth

Loss of mid-wage jobs hampers state's growth
On the surface, California's job market is booming. The growth, though, belies a troubling imbalance. The fastest job creation has come in low-wage sectors, in which pay has declined. At the high end of the salary scale, a different dynamic has taken hold: rising pay and improving employment after rounds of consolidation.

 

Tuesday, August 05, 2014

Kids and parents turn to coding to boost college, career prospects

Kids and parents turn to coding to boost college, career prospects
Interest in computer coding is surging for a growing number of students stoked by popular computer gaming and smartphone apps — and hoping for a crucial leg up when applying to college and launching careers. Students and their parents view coding as an indispensable skill in the digital era, especially since the number of programming-related jobs is projected to soar in the next decade.

 

Freelance workers a growing segment of California economy

Freelance workers a growing segment of California economy
It's hard to track the growth of the gray economy because so many employers hide workers for tax purposes. Experts generally agree, however, that the ranks of the underemployed swelled during the recession — more than in past downturns — and have remained substantial in an unsteady recovery.

 

Africa: The Richest Region For Young Workers And Consumers

Africa: The Richest Region For Young Workers And ...
While other continents have aging populations, Africa is giving birth to a new generation of consumers and workers. Sub-Saharan Africa is the youngest region in the world, with 43 percent of its population under age 15.

 

Health Law Calls For Automatic Enrollment Of Some Workers

 Health Law Calls For Automatic Enrollment Of Some Workers
Newly hired employees who don't sign up for health insurance on the job could have it done for them under a health law provision that may take effect as early as next year.

 

Friday, August 01, 2014

The little-known FRED charts that reveal the state of the U.S. economy

The little-known FRED charts that reveal the state of the U.S. economy
A guide to the American economy , in charts picked by experts.

 

Every wonk’s secret weapon

Every wonk’s secret weapon FRED started as a newsletter about inflation. Now it’s the go-to source for economic data.

 

Labor Costs Climbed 0.7% In Quarter, a Sign of Health

Labor Costs Climbed 0.7% In Quarter, a Sign of Health
The report was seen as a glint of coming wage gains, which so far in the recovery have been no better than tepid. Also, the four-week average of initial jobless claims fell to a level not seen since 2006.

 

Six Charts That Explain the Jobs Report

Six Charts That Explain the Jobs Report
Although the number of jobs added to payrolls in July was slightly less than expected, there is better news in the fine print.