| October 29, 2009 | E-mail news for employers |
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- Many older Americans seek work, but remain unemployed
Nearly 500,000 workers ages 65 and above are looking for work and unable to secure employment, experts say. Although the 6.7% unemployment rate for older Americans is better than the 9.8% rate for the general population, the rate for older people is more than double the level seen in 2007. "It's a big deal for a lot of these people not to find a job," AARP legislative policy director David Certner said. "That so many of them are still trying to find work shows how bad the economic situation is. A lot of people normally give up at that age." NYTimes.com
(10/23)     
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Unemployment increases in 23 states in September: The unemployment rate climbed in 23 states in September, according to the U.S. Department of Labor. Nevada, Florida and Rhode Island posted record unemployment rates. Meanwhile, experts believe unemployment will continue to increase even though employers are shedding fewer jobs. Last month, 14 states reported unemployment of at least 10%. Bloomberg
(10/21)
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- Report: Automatic plans won't necessarily prepare workers for retirement
Some workers participating in 401(K) plans through automatic-enrollment programs will not save enough to support themselves during retirement, according to a report by the Government Accountability Office. Some workers automatically enrolled in retirement plans had lower contribution rates and invested more conservatively, the report found. Meanwhile, federal and state lawmakers are considering creating automatic-contribution individual retirement programs for employees who cannot participate in a work-sponsored retirement plan. Bloomberg
(10/26)
- Many Americans ages 50 to 64 are unable to secure health insurance
More than 7 million people between the ages of 50 and 64 have no health insurance, and the number is rising quickly, according to AARP. Many older uninsured individuals have lost their jobs or work for companies that no longer offer insurance. They also are finding that purchasing an individual health insurance plan is usually much more expensive than plans offered through employers. St. Petersburg Times (Fla.)
(10/25)
- Employers offer wellness incentives to cut health care costs
Many businesses are looking for ways to lower their health care costs in 2010. Some are boosting surcharges for tobacco users, and others are emphasizing wellness programs. In a recent survey, more than half of employers said they plan to expand or introduce wellness programs in 2010. At one company, employees who certify that they have not used tobacco for a minimum of six months will pay $75 less per month for health and dental coverage next year. Workforce Management Online
(10/2009)
- Experts offer job-search tips for older workers
Older workers who are seeking new jobs should focus on the specific value that they can bring to a business or organization, experts say. They also recommend that older workers use an existing network of contacts, update technology skills and fully evaluate their financial needs as they search for a new position. The Kansas City Star (Mo.)
(10/16)
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AARP Forum on the Hispanic Workforce, Nov. 5, 2009
Hispanics represent one of the fastest growing segments of the older population. In today's changing workforce, 50+ Hispanic workers are an important target for employer efforts to attract and retain older workers. What policies and practices are needed to ensure long-term economic security for the growing demographic of Hispanic workers? This issue is the focus of a Nov. 5 forum, "50+ Hispanic Workers: Current Status and Future Prospects," co-sponsored by AARP, the Hispanic Association on Corporate Responsibility (HACR) and SER-Jobs for Progress National, Inc. AARP's recently released study, "50+ Hispanic Workers: A Growing Segment of the U.S. Workforce," will serve as the platform for discussion. Policy-makers, opinion leaders, employers and forum participants will share viewpoints on how to support this demographic in the workplace. Thursday, Nov. 5, 2009, 8 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., Washington, D.C. Register for the event or contact Wendy Haith at (202) 434-2403.
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- Thursday, October 15, 2009
- Thursday, October 01, 2009
- Thursday, September 17, 2009
- Thursday, September 03, 2009
- Thursday, August 20, 2009
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