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The lasting effects of fires on local labor markets

New research finds that larger fires can depress local hiring for up to three years.
Search and rescue teams search the charred rubble of a home for victims in the aftermath of the Eaton Fire on Jan. 14.
Zoe Meyers/AFP via Getty Images

Small businesses are optimistic, but have job openings they can't fill

Feb 11, 2025
Among the biggest challenges small firms are facing is hiring.
Small businesses want to hire more workers, which is a good sign. But many are struggling to fill open positions.
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Why the labor market is "standing over a cliff"

Feb 4, 2025
The low hiring rate reveals weakness despite low unemployment, says Kathryn Anne Edwards. Per the JOLTS report, openings declined in December.
Labor economist Kathryn Anne Edwards says the low hiring rate reflects the weakness of U.S. workers' prospects, despite the low unemployment rate.
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Continuing unemployment claims climb, but it's not nervous time

Jan 23, 2025
The data is in line with pre-COVID claims volume, and the job market often sags in January.
In some cases, job seekers are being choosier in their search. And some sectors aren't hiring right now.
Joe Raedle/Getty Images

Employers are having trouble finding workers with the right skills

Jan 16, 2025
Companies reported on their quest to fill jobs in the Fed's Beige Book. The arrival of AI may have changed hiring needs.
Businesses told the Federal Reserve that finding workers with AI expertise has been difficult.
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Latest consumer expectations reports shows biggest concern is finding a new job

Jan 14, 2025
In December, respondent confidence in getting hired fell to the lowest level it's been since 2021.
Consumers are worried they won't be able to find a job and don't think they will lose or quit their current job. But generally, hiring and firing rates have an inverse relationship.
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5.5 million people in the U.S. are labeled “not in labor force, want job”

Jan 10, 2025
That’s 3% fewer than a year ago. If it keeps dropping, it could be a sign the labor market is getting warmer.
While some people might choose to get back into the job market, others might choose to stop looking altogether and focus on school or taking care of a loved one, said economist Harry Holzer.
Nikolay Doychinov/AFP via Getty Images

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Job seekers turn to honesty on social media to find work

Jan 2, 2025
People are "getting really personal" and leveraging their social media networks, says Danielle Abril of The Washington Post.
Job seekers are using LinkedIn and other social media platforms to show off skills and get in touch with companies they want to work for.
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"Damaged goods": Being unemployed for months takes a toll.

Dec 10, 2024
The ranks of the long-term unemployed have swelled to 1.7 million. The psychological effects add to the economic pain.
Being unemployed for an extended period can be "stigmatizing" for job hunters, said Julia Pollak of ZipRecruiter.
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Layoffs picked up in November as labor market cools down

Dec 5, 2024
While layoffs have been low over the last few months, the uptick signals that the labor market may be starting to lose momentum.
It'd likely take a prolonged economic slowdown to spark widespread layoffs, noted Nationwide's Kathy Bostjancic.
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