| June 24, 2010 | E-mail news for employers |
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- AARP's Russell discusses job loss among older workers
AARP Director of Workforce Issues Deborah Russell recently highlighted the effect of the ongoing economic downturn on workers over the age of 50 during an interview. She also discussed some programs designed to help senior citizens find new positions. C-SPAN
(6/10)     
- Facing shortfalls, states and countries raise retirement age
Several U.S. states and countries in the European Union have boosted the retirement age for workers. In California, for example, the government recently negotiated with four state public employee unions to raise the retirement age by five years for new employees. Many states are facing shortfalls in their pension programs as people live longer, and observers note that younger workers will have to spend more time in the workforce in order to retire in comfort. National Public Radio
(6/18)
| Industry & Workplace Trends | | |
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- Training costs will rise for manufacturers as workers retire, study finds
A recent study found that the wave of upcoming retirements will result in a significant increase in training costs for employers in the manufacturing industry. The study by Sloan Center on Aging & Work at Boston College also found that employers will face challenges transferring job knowledge from the current generation of employees to the next generation. In the manufacturing sector, the median cost of replacing an employee is $5,000, compared with $3,000 per employee in other sectors. The Boston Globe (free registration)
(6/21)
- More companies won't consider unemployed for open positions
Many companies are increasingly considering only employed applicants for open positions, experts say. They note that many managers mistakenly believe that individuals without jobs were laid off for performance reasons. However, some experts say managers who rule out unemployed workers could be excluding strong candidates. "Making that kind of automatic cut is senseless; you could be missing out on the best person of all," noted Judy Conti, a lobbyist for the National Employment Law Project. CNNMoney.com
(6/16)
- France will gradually boost retirement age to 62
France will gradually raise its retirement age to 62 from 60 over the next eight years as part of a plan to ease the retirement system's deficit. The plan will also require civil servants to pay higher social security fees. The changes have prompted union protests. Meanwhile, many French citizens say they expected the government to make changes to the national retirement system to ease the country's debt and deficit. Los Angeles Times
(6/17)
- Designing wellness programs for older workers
One of the emerging trends for workplace wellness programs is the focus on older employees, says Christine Paige, senior vice president for marketing and Internet services for Kaiser Permanente. Programs that educate older workers and help prevent "complex and costly medical interventions" help companies contain costs and "enhance their employees' quality of life." SmartBrief/SmartBlog on Workforce
(6/21)
| AARP News | | |
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| Law and Regulation | | |
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- Senate rejects $120 billion jobs legislation
The Senate last week rejected a $120 billion jobs bill supported by the White House. Some lawmakers in both parties raised concerns about the size of the legislation and its impact on deficits. It would have extended tax breaks for individuals and businesses and raised taxes for multinational corporations, oil companies and investment partnerships. Democratic lawmakers who supported the package said it is unclear when they will secure the Republican votes necessary for it to pass. The Washington Post
(6/18)
- Senate tax bill omits COBRA subsidy
The latest version of a Senate tax bill does not include a provision that would extend the COBRA subsidy program. Unless Congress acts, the subsidy will not be available to workers who lost their jobs after May 31. Workforce Online
(6/18)
| SmartQuote | | |
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 | Ah, summer, what power you have to make us suffer and like it."
--Russell Baker,
American journalist, humorist
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| | Recent AARP SmartBrief Issues:
- Thursday, June 10, 2010
- Thursday, May 27, 2010
- Thursday, May 13, 2010
- Thursday, April 29, 2010
- Thursday, April 15, 2010
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