WBUR reports that yesterday's announced drop in statewide unemployment numbers - the first in two years - actually masks a record number of underemployed people, i.e., people who have taken part-time jobs because they can't find full-time work.
What's likely even worse, is that the drop in claims might be from expirations of claims and not people actually able to find employment. The number of Christmas hires at retail stores isn't even close to what is was in previous years. I doubt the limited availability of those temporary jobs is going to make any real dent in long term employment figures. I imagine following bad sales figures this season many stores will be laying off or shutting down as well.
When unemployment claims are going down here faster than elsewhere, there is at least a little bit of good news. People get part time jobs in other parts of the country as well.
Comments
What's likely even worse, is
By Haviland (not verified) - 11/20/09 - 10:31 am
What's likely even worse, is that the drop in claims might be from expirations of claims and not people actually able to find employment. The number of Christmas hires at retail stores isn't even close to what is was in previous years. I doubt the limited availability of those temporary jobs is going to make any real dent in long term employment figures. I imagine following bad sales figures this season many stores will be laying off or shutting down as well.
There might be more
By anon (not verified) - 11/20/09 - 1:06 pm
There might be more people that are unemployed, with the state of the US's economy, its still hard to find stable jobs..
Nonetheless...
By anon (not verified) - 11/21/09 - 6:33 pm
When unemployment claims are going down here faster than elsewhere, there is at least a little bit of good news. People get part time jobs in other parts of the country as well.