| July 8, 2010 | E-mail news for employers |
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- Unemployment rate holds steady for older workers
The national unemployment rate has remained steady at slightly more than 7% for older workers since December, suggesting that employers are reluctant to hire people 55 and older. Meanwhile, the unemployment rate for workers 25 to 54 declined from 9.2% in October to 8.7% in May. CNNMoney.com
(7/2)     
| Industry & Workplace Trends | | |
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- More than 20% of applicants are cut after reference check, survey says
A recent survey found that 21% of job applicants are eliminated by managers after their references are checked. The OfficeTeam survey found that 36% of managers are looking for more information about the applicant's past job duties and experience when contacting references, while 31% hope to learn more about the job seeker's strengths. Workforce Online
(6/23)
- Work-at-home scams are increasing, officials say
The poor economy has led to an increase in the number of work-at-home scams, with complaints to the Federal Trade Commission increasing from 4,004 in 2006 to 7,955 in 2009, according to this article. One of the things to be wary of is companies that ask you to pay "for information to learn how to make money on the Internet," says Alison Southwick, a Better Business Bureau spokeswoman. USA TODAY
(7/1)
- Some factories struggle to find skilled workers
Some factory managers say they are struggling to find workers who match positions that need to be filled. Many hope to hire workers who can operate sophisticated machinery and computers, but some observers say the available workers do not have the required skills. Meanwhile, employers say they are looking not only for specific skills, but for aptitude and mindset. The New York Times (tiered subscription model)
(7/1)
- Retraining the unemployed helps companies boost profits
Some U.S. companies are boosting profits and productivity by retraining unemployed workers. Experts say the large pool of jobless Americans who are eager to return to work has created an adaptable workforce for many companies. Meanwhile, statistics from the Department of Labor show that U.S. productivity gains have averaged 2.9% from 2000 through the first quarter of 2010, up from 2.1% in 1990-99. Bloomberg Businessweek
(6/28)
| AARP News | | |
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AARP career fairs for 50+ workers
In an effort to provide 50+ workers with job search resources, AARP is collaborating with the Employment Guide on a series of career fairs in states with the highest unemployment. The career fairs, which run through December 2010, offer on-site job counseling and AARP-led workshops on "The Power of Promoting Yourself at 50+." The campaign is a response to record levels of unemployment among older workers. Learn more.
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| Law and Regulation | | |
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- Republicans filibuster extension of unemployment benefits
For the third time, Republican senators filibustered legislation that would have extended unemployment benefits. More than 1.7 million people have already lost benefits, and by the end of the month that number is expected to climb to 3 million, according to the Department of Labor. The legislation would extend the benefits to a total of up to 99 weeks. Yahoo!/The Associated Press
(7/1)
- Employers get new reimbursement application for retiree claims
The Department of Health and Human Services has released an application form for employers to use when applying for reimbursement of claims incurred by enrollees in early-retiree health care plans. Under the Early Retiree Reinsurance Program created by the health care reform law, employers can receive a portion of health care claims incurred by retirees at least age 55 who are not eligible for Medicare. Workforce Online
(6/30)
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