Category: General Interest

September 2, 2020

Payroll tax deferral starting today still contains uncertainty

Payroll tax deferral starting today still contains uncertainty

Released on September 1, 2020 A payroll tax deferral on workers’ portion of the Social Security payroll tax begins today. But it’s unclear how many employers will participate and how much it will affect the staffing industry. The move is designed to give employees more money in their paychecks through the end of the year.Read More
Job postings down 21% so far this year, unemployed job seekers more likely to look for work in fields previously engaged: Indeed

Job postings down 21% so far this year, unemployed job seekers more likely to look for work in fields previously engaged: Indeed

Released on August 31, 2020 Indeed reported Friday that job postings on its site were 20.8% lower this year through Aug. 21 than the same period last year. The job board operator also cited separate research it conducted that found people who were unemployed because of the Covid-19 pandemic are more likely to be searchingRead More

August 31, 2020

GDP growth in Q2 gets slight upward revision, still biggest decline on record

GDP growth in Q2 gets slight upward revision, still biggest decline on record

Released on August 27, 2020 US gross domestic product decreased by slightly less than initially thought in the second quarter, but it remains in a historic decline, according to a new “second” estimate released today by the US Bureau of Economic Analysis. The new estimate is that GDP fell at an annual rate of 31.7%Read More
Pandemic Problems: What’s Keeping Adults Up at Night?

Pandemic Problems: What’s Keeping Adults Up at Night?

Released on August 26, 2020 Younger Generations Worry About Jobs, Older Generations About Cost Increases Three in four U.S. adults are worried about the rising price of groceries (75%) and the increasing cost of living (74%), which they see continuing over the next year as the nation navigates the pandemic’s impact on the economy andRead More
Consumer confidence falls for second month in row, more downbeat on jobs picture

Consumer confidence falls for second month in row, more downbeat on jobs picture

Released on August 25, 2020 The Conference Board Consumer Confidence Index fell for the second month in a row in August as consumers remain concerned about the outlook ahead. “Consumer spending has rebounded in recent months but increasing concerns amongst consumers about the economic outlook and their financial well-being will likely cause spending to coolRead More

August 14, 2020

53% of those interested in flexible work are currently earning less than half of pre-pandemic income

53% of those interested in flexible work are currently earning less than half of pre-pandemic income

Released on August 12, 2020 The pandemic has taken a bite out of financial stability, according to a survey of 1,100 US based people interested in flexible work. It found that 53% of people are currently earning half or less than their pre-pandemic income. It also found that 44% reported they are currently struggling financially,Read More

August 12, 2020

Employment Trends Index points to decreased momentum in US labor market

Employment Trends Index points to decreased momentum in US labor market

Released on August 10, 2020 The Conference Board reported its Employment Trends Index rose in July following larger increases in May and June, indicating slowing momentum in the labor market, likely due to the diminishing impact of the economy’s reopening. The index remains down by 53.8% from the same time a year ago. July’s decelerationRead More
Temp job numbers continue recovery in July, but still down 19% over year

Temp job numbers continue recovery in July, but still down 19% over year

Released on August 7, 2020 The number of temporary help jobs in the US rose by 143,700 in July, according to seasonally adjusted data released today by the US Bureau of Labor Statistics. The 2.38 million temp jobs remained below the pre-pandemic level of 2.89 million in March. Still, the temp penetration rate — temporaryRead More
Jobless claims down to approximately 1.2 million, new low for pandemic (MarketWatch)

Jobless claims down to approximately 1.2 million, new low for pandemic (MarketWatch)

Released on August 6, 2020 US jobless claims fell by nearly a quarter million last week to 1.19 million; it was the lowest level for the pandemic, MarketWatch reported. Economists polled by the news agency had expected 1.4 million claims for unemployment insurance. However, it noted that new jobs added in July to be justRead More

August 7, 2020

US job growth slows in July, employment rises by just 167,000

US job growth slows in July, employment rises by just 167,000

Released on August 5, 2020 The US added 167,000 private sector jobs in July compared to the previous month, but the growth was below the employment increases seen in May and June, according to the ADP National Employment Report. ADP’s report had logged increases of 4.3 million jobs month-over-month in June and 3.3 million inRead More