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Manufacturing sector shows more signs of cooling

Jan 24, 2023
Monthly data from the Federal Reserve shows a slowdown in shipments, new orders and employment in the sector.
The manufacturing sector added only 8,000 jobs per month in November and December — well below the average of 32,000.
Megan Jelinger/Getty images

Layoffs are up, first-time jobless claims are down. What gives?

Jan 23, 2023
The job market is still tight, so many who've lost jobs rejoin the workforce fast. Others aren't eager to deal with the unemployment insurance system.
Layoffs have so far been concentrated in the tech sector, but the overall unemployment trend has remained near decade-lows.
Eblis/Getty Images

Why your paycheck isn't keeping up with inflation

Jan 16, 2023
The average paycheck lagged behind inflation in 2022, and the higher prices are hitting low-wage workers the hardest.
Recent data show that wages aren't growing at a fast enough rate to keep up with inflation, which impacts low-income workers the hardest.
Ed Jones/AFP via Getty Images
Devonte and Cassie Bradford with their three kids, Damari, Kendrix and Jaylee.
Courtesy Bradford family

More than half a million health care workers were hired last year. We still need more.

Jan 9, 2023
The recent jobs report shows a marked rise in the number of healthcare jobs added to the economy.
The latest jobs report shows that the number of workers in the health care sector has climbed back to around pre-pandemic levels.
Mario Tama/Getty Images

Wage growth slowed in December, pleasing inflation hawks

Jan 6, 2023
Earnings have been rising quickly, but the cooler data may restrain the Federal Reserve's rate-hike campaign.
While workers have seen significant pay gains in the past year, real wages are down as a result of inflation.
Scott Olson/Getty Images

How companies decide to lay off workers

Jan 5, 2023
Layoffs are often one of the first ways companies cut costs. But they don’t take them lightly because there’s a lot at stake, not least employee goodwill and public image.
Amazon is beginning layoffs again after starting staff cuts in November. The layoffs are impacting roughly 5% of Amazon's workforce.
Justin Sullivan/Getty Images

For public good, not for profit.

With salaries rising, how much do minimum wage increases matter?

Jan 4, 2023
Private-sector wages are up about 5% over the past year. But gains guaranteed by government can't be lost during an economic downturn.
Workers in low-wage sectors like fast food have gained higher pay in the hot job market.
Brandon Bell/Getty Images

A hot labor market is good, right? So why could it lead to a recession?

Jan 3, 2023
Economists say millions of unfilled jobs could limit economic growth.
"We just do not have enough people to fill all those job openings," said Iowa State professor Peter Orazem.
Olivier Douliery/AFP via Getty Images

Indiana group helps mothers recently released from prison find housing and jobs

Jan 3, 2023
Mothers on the Rise shows women how to navigate challenges that can arise for people with prison records.
From left, Savannah May, a formerly incarcerated mother, meets with Ashley Mager, project coordinator of Mothers on the Rise, to check in about work, supplies for May's toddler son and other concerns.
Alisa Roth