Free exchange

Economics

America's jobless recovery

Flatlining

Jul 29th 2010, 13:40 by R.A. | WASHINGTON

THE Department of Labour releases its report of initial jobless claims every week, and I often cover the reported figure. But lately, and by lately I mean the last eight months, things have been a little boring:

At this point, it's difficult to know what else to say. Claims are stuck at an historically high level. Perhaps that merely reflects some new structural dynamic in the labour market, but it mainly seems suggestive of continued economic weakness. At any rate, this is the kind of development you'd like to avoid if you're looking for a strong rebound in employment.

I'll not comment on this again until we see some real action in the series.

Readers' comments

The Economist welcomes your views. Please stay on topic and be respectful of other readers. Review our comments policy.

jouris

I find snacking on lots of turkey works just as well. Not to mention tasting better and letting me sleep more quickly. Why divert lithium from batteries?

OneAegis

California is putting more state employees on furlough. Oakland, CA alone is laying off 200 police officers.

An additional "shadow inventory" of workers is out there as well - as Afghanistan and Iraq are wound down, what are all the returning GIs to do?

hedgefundguy

"But lately, and by lately I mean the last eight months, things have been a little boring."

Just as boring as it was during the 6/1/06 to 10/1/07 period?

Give it some time R.A., things will pick up.

Harley Davidson is laying off more, 1400.
United Technologies is laying off more, 1500.
Space Alliance is laying off more, 1400 (Sept 30th)

Toss in the multiplier effect... and we should have some more
interesting fun times.

Regards

About Free exchange

In this blog, our correspondents consider the fluctuations in the world economy and the policies intended to produce more booms than busts. Adam Smith argued that in a free exchange both parties benefit, and this blog's aim is to encourage a free exchange of views on economic matters.

Advertisement

Trending topics

Read comments on the site's most popular topics

Advertisement

Latest blog posts - All times are GMT
Link exchange
From Free exchange - February 10th, 22:21
The accommodation
From Democracy in America - February 10th, 19:51
Unsatisfactory terminology
From Johnson - February 10th, 19:39
I am the 1%!
From Democracy in America - February 10th, 16:36
The shores of El Dorado
From Graphic detail - February 10th, 15:43
More from our blogs »
Products & events
Stay informed today and every day

Subscribe to The Economist's free e-mail newsletters and alerts.


Subscribe to The Economist's latest article postings on Twitter


See a selection of The Economist's articles, events, topical videos and debates on Facebook.