Monthly Job Reports


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Economy losses almost 600,000 jobs in January 2009, most since 1974; unemployment reaches 7.6%.

The recession was still in full swing in January with 598,000 net loss jobs and 3.6 million net jobs since the recession began in December of 2007.  Almost half of that total occurred in the last three months (each of which had a net loss of over 500,000 jobs).   Unemployment increased for all groups to 7.6%, but blacks (whose unemployment increased from 11.9% to 12.6%) and Latinos (which increased from 9.2% to 9.7%) were hit hardest.  Adult black males (age 20 and over) saw their unemployment reach 14.1%, the highest since 1984.   The share of the population t Read more…

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Economy losses 651,000 net jobs in February 2009; unemployment increases to 8.1% and black unemployment increases to 13.4%

The economic numbers continue to tell a depressing story in February; the number of unemployed increased to 12.5 million and the unemployment rate reached 8.1% (the highest since 1983).  651,000 jobs were lost in February and 4.4 million since the recession began in December of 2007--almost 60% of that total occurred in the last four months (which averaged almost 650,000 jobs lost per month).   Unemployment increased for all groups, but blacks and Latinos (as well as men) were the most impacted.  Black unemployment rose 0.8% to 13.4% and Latinos increased 1.2% to 10.9%.& Read more…

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Economy losses 663,000 jobs in March 2009 and 5.1 million since recession began; unemployment reaches 8.5%.

The unemployment rate increased from 8.1% to 8.5% in March and 663,000 jobs were lost, according to the latest data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics.  Since the recession began in December of 2007, 5.1 million jobs have been lost (a loss of 3.7%), 3.3 million of which in the last five months.  Black unemployment remained essentially level (decreasing slightly from 13.4% to 13.3%), but this is a largely due to a decrease in the black labor force participation rate (indicating more people have stopped looking for work and therefore not counted).  White unemployment increased Read more…

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Unemployment Continues to Rise in April 2009; Long-term Unemployed at Record Level

In April of 2009, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that the unemployment rate increased from 8.5% to 8.9% and another 539,000 net jobs were lost. The only sector with significant growth was the government sector, which gained 72,000 jobs (led by the hiring of temporary workers for the 2010 Census). Not counting government jobs, the economy lost 611,000 jobs. Since the recession began in December of 2007, 5.7 million jobs have been lost and almost 6 million private sector jobs have been lost. Read more…

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Pace of Job Losses Slows Somewhat in May 2009; Overall Unemployment Continues to Rise

There were some signs of a spring thaw in this month’s numbers, but little relief for the unemployed.  While the unemployment rate continued its sharp increase (from 8.9% to 9.4%), a fewer than expected 345,000 net jobs were lost (and March and April’s losses were revised slightly downwards).  6 million jobs have been lost since the recession began.  Several sectors, including construction and professional/business services saw losses that were only half the rate of recent months.  Manufacturing continued to be hard hit, losing 156,000 jobs a Read more…

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Economy Losses 467,000 Net Jobs in June 2009, More than Economists were Expecting

The June numbers had few signs of hope for a recovery anytime soon.  The economy lost a net 467,000 jobs, more than economists were expecting and more than last month’s 322,000 net losses.  The unemployment rate, after several sharp jumps earlier this year, remained essentially level at 9.5%--but since the participation rate also declined for most groups, that could be due to people no longer looking for work and therefore not counted.  Black unemployment decreased from 14.9% to 14.7%; adult black men decreased to 16.4% Read more…

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October 2009: The Economy Lost 190,000 Private Sector Jobs

The October numbers indicate that the economy lost a net 190,000 private sector jobs. Net government losses were zero; however, losses at the state and local levels, excluding education, continued (-26,600). September net losses were revised down to -219,000 (from 263,000). Read more…

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November 2009 Job Loss Lower Than Forcasted

The November numbers indicate that the economy lost a net 11,000 jobs, well below the 130,000 jobs that were forecasted. October net losses were revised down to -111,000 (from 190,000). Since the recession began in December of 2007, the economy has lost 7.2 million jobs. Read more…

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Economy unexpectedly sheds 85,000 jobs in December 2009; November numbers revised to 4,000 jobs added

In December, nonfarm payroll employment decreased by a net of 85,000 jobs despite market expectations of zero net losses. The unemployment rate remained unchanged at 10% as the participation rate declined from 65% to 64.6%. The black unemployment rate increased from 15.6% to 16.2%. Read more…

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Job Losses Decline Significantly in January 2010

The January numbers indicate that the economy lost a net 20,000 jobs; refreshing news amidst revised December 2009 losses of -150,000 jobs. The unemployment rate declined in January to 9.7%, representing a total of 14.8 million people. However, the ranks of long-term unemlployed continues to grow -- now at 41.2% of all unemployed.  Black unemployment was 16.5%, white unemployment was 8.7% and Latino unemployment was 12.6%.  Professional and business services (44,000), retail trade (42,100) and education & health (16,000) in January. Read more…