Fewer U.S. Workers: How COVID Changed Labor
Differing wage subsidy programs overseas, and a rate of higher infection in the U.S., were likely contributors to the sluggish domestic labor market.
Read more
Labor Shortage
Millions of Job Seekers, Millions of Jobs, Few Connections
Workers and jobs are mismatched because people have moved or opted for a new direction, and the openings often don’t line up with job seekers’ skills or ZIP codes.
Read more
112 Percent Increase in Open Jobs
Some 1.4 million people were laid off or furloughed from February to April 2020. But as of May, manufacturers were trying to fill 851,000 positions—a record high for the industry and a 112 percent increase since last February.
Read more
More States Cut Unemployment Benefits
At least 19 states have decided to prematurely cut off the federal boost to regular state unemployment benefits in response to lackluster hiring numbers in spite of a need for workers.
Read more
What’s Behind the Labor Crunch?
Is it enhanced unemployment benefits, border issues, wages? One agricultural economist asks if it is even correct to call it a labor “shortage.”
Read more