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Teen summer employment is still booming

Jul 16, 2024
In June, 37.4% of 16- to 19-year-olds were either working or looking for a job, according to the latest jobs report. That’s just shy of a 15-year high of 38% back in March. 
Teen workers’ pay is up 4% in 2024 over last year, compared to 1.5% for older workers, a Gusto survey showed.
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What immigration means for economies as populations get older

Around the world, populations are getting older. Immigration plays a role in sustaining workforces, according to new analysis.
"Over the next several decades, businesses and industries that cater to old populations — they're become a much bigger part of the economy," explained Marketplace senior economics contributor Chris Farrell.
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Labor force participation approaches pre-pandemic levels

Sep 1, 2023
The participation rate, which includes people actively looking for jobs, rose in August for those 55 and older, women, teenagers and others.
Labor force participation has been rising among women age 25 to 54 — many of whom stopped working when the pandemic complicated child care and schooling.
Timothy A. Clary/AFP via Getty Images

Why labor shortages aren't going anywhere

Aug 31, 2023
With the acceleration of baby boomer retirements, multiple sectors face long-term challenges finding enough workers to meet demand.
Pandemic disruptions and baby boomer retirements have created a mismatch between labor supply and demand. That has boosted worker pay, but employers might respond by investing more in automation.
Joe Raedle/Getty Images

The clean energy transition is underway. But where will the workers come from?

Aug 29, 2023
Finding and training workers to install solar panels and maintain electric vehicle charging stations is a massive undertaking.
Language written into the Inflation Reduction Act prioritizes trades with apprenticeships for subsidies. This means  worker scarcity is unlikely in higher-paid, higher-skilled fields.
Mario Tama/Getty Images

Why "grandternity" leave might become the newest form of parental leave

Aug 1, 2023
Are you a working grandparent who wants time off to spend with the grandkids? That benefit could be coming to a company near you.
"For employees who are going to be grandparents, whether it's their first grandchild or their 10th grandchild, they get paid time off," said Tara Weiss of The Wall Street Journal.
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4 of 5 “prime age” people are in workforce, highest since 2001

May 29, 2023
The ratio covers people 25 to 54 years old. The strong participation means employers looking to hire may have a hard time finding workers.
With the labor market still hot, industries like hospitality and retail may struggle to attract workers unless they boost wages.
Olivier Douliery/AFP via Getty Images

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In a "restructuring" economy, which industries gained and lost jobs in 2022

Feb 8, 2023
Here are the industries that saw the biggest job gains and the ones still falling behind.
“It’s a large-scale restructuring, but the labor market goes through large-scale restructurings all the time," said Michael Montgomery of S&P Global Market Intelligence.
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Has the drop in immigration contributed to inflation?

Jan 20, 2023
Immigrants have accounted for a major share of labor force growth for years, increasing production, which keeps inflation lower, experts say.
Immigration to the U.S. dropped dramatically during the pandemic. Above, new U.S. citizens at a naturalization ceremony in Massachusetts on Jan. 5.
Joseph Prezioso/AFP via Getty Images

What's with all the hiring?

Nov 2, 2022
Employers keep looking for workers to meet consumer demand, though there are signs the labor market may cool down.
"Most of what I hear from employers is that they're struggling to find talent," said Amber Clayton with the Society for Human Resource Management.
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