Job Market Monitor
Michel Cournoyer
Growth in Europe vs US – It’s getting worse
Economic growth in Europe came in at zero in the second quarter of 2014. That’s better than being in recession. But it’s not the growth that Europe — with its huge unemployment rate of 12 percent, or roughly 19,130,000 people out of work — needs. The eurozone (below in blue) has been in a depression … Continue reading
Thai Airways – To cut 1,500 jobs this year
Thai Airways expects to return to profit earlier than expected in the fourth quarter, aiming to cut 1,500 jobs this year under its recently approved restructuring plan. The airline also said it would shed more than a quarter of its full-time employees by 2018, the first major job cuts announcement since the plan was given … Continue reading
IT skills gap in UK – A growing interest in alternatives to university education like apprenticeship
There is also a growing interest in alternatives to university education, both from an employer and student perspective. In March 2014, to tie in with National Apprenticeship week, companies including BT, ITV and Virgin Media announced apprenticeship schemes, creating a total of 20,000 openings for apprentices. Mark Ridley, director of IT at online recruiter Reed.co.uk, said … Continue reading
US – Jobless claims rise, but remain near eight-year lows
New applications for unemployment benefits rose last week but remained near eight-year lows. Initial claims for unemployment benefits increased by 21,000 to a seasonally adjusted 311,000 in the week ended Aug. 9, the Labor Department said Thursday. That was more than the 295,000 new claims forecast by economists surveyed by The Wall Street Journal and … Continue reading
Canada – The Job Grant applications open in Manitoba, P.E.I, N.L.
Employers in three provinces can now apply for skills training funds under the Canada Job Grant, nearly 18 months after the Conservatives introduced it with much fanfare in the 2013 budget. The government of Manitoba was the first to accept applications last month, with P.E.I. and Newfoundland and Labrador following suit on Tuesday. July 1 deadline missed for … Continue reading
Japan – Addressing the Gender Gap
Confronted with decades of economic stagnation, strict immigration controls, and a rapidly aging population, Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has launched an ambitious plan—widely known as “Abenomics”—to restart Japan’s economy. The program has three main components: a large fiscal stimulus that was injected into the economy in early 2013; expansionary monetary policy that also began … Continue reading
Job Search – Using apps designed for job seekers
We’re on the go with access to the internet all the time. When you find yourself waiting for an appointment, you probably find yourself reaching for your smartphone. Companies are finding new ways to reach people like you through mobile marketing. Without a budget for this type of marketing, let’s focus instead on how you … Continue reading
Canada – On StatCan’s attention deficit disorder
But this is far from the only thing troubling regular StatsCan users. I made the following chart to illustrate one of the great frustrations that journalists, economists and academics have with StatsCan. One minute, the agency, tasked with measuring the tick tock of the economy and society, tracks seemingly vital data (such as detailed breakdowns of … Continue reading
(Update) Canada, July 2014 Job Report – An error has been detected says StatCan
An error has been detected in the processing of the August 8 Labour Force Survey release. This error impacts only the July 2014 estimates. The source of the error has been identified and corrected estimates will be released on Friday, August 15, 2014. Statistics Canada takes this matter very seriously and is immediately launching a review of the data verification processes … Continue reading
Canada’s False Job Report – EI claims on hold while StatCan fixes error
Statistics Canada’s decision to pull its latest jobs report forced officials to put employment insurance claims on hold and triggered a flood of speculation from economists as to what Friday’s updated numbers will reveal. Approvals for EI claims are partly based on regional unemployment rates, but officials say staff will be able to manage the … Continue reading
Unemployment in US State-by-State : 38 Years in one map
A new map—presented as a GIF—is putting unemployment rates in historical context. Courtesy of Metric Maps, the image shows how unemployment rates have changed state-by-state from 1976 to 2014. Chosen excerpts by Job Market Monitor. Read the whole story at 38 Years of Unemployment Data Displayed in One Map.
UK – Employment rate for people aged from 16 to 64 near record high but regular pay annual growth rate lowest on record
Key Points for April to June 2014 Comparing the estimates for April to June 2014 with those for January to March 2014, employment continued to rise and unemployment continued to fall. These changes continue the general direction of movement over the past two years. There were 30.60 million people in work, 167,000 more than for … Continue reading
UK – Becoming the self-employment capital of Europe
Whether they are a growing underclass or a sign of the UK economy’s bright future, the growing army of self-employed warrant our attention The UK workforce has expanded rapidly over the last year, with the working-age employment rate reaching historically high levels and net job creation of over 900,000 in the year to April 2014. … Continue reading
Wal-Mart in China – To invest in a three-year training program for 20,000 vocational school graduates
Wal-Mart Stores Inc is helping to launch a three-year training program across China with the aim of producing more than 20,000 vocational school graduates to meet the increasing demand of the retail job market. Wal-Mart China will team up with the China Chain Store and Franchise Association to initiate the Future Retail Star Training program, … Continue reading
Jobs Openings in US in June 2014 – Increased to 4.7 million, highest since 2001
Jobs openings increased in June to 4.671 million from 4.577 million in May. This is the highest level since February 2001. Chosen excerpts by Job Market Monitor. Read the whole story at Calculated Risk: BLS: Jobs Openings increased to 4.7 million in June, Highest since 2001.
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