Posts Tagged ‘jobless’

Jobless Claims And Recovery Concerns Rise

Thursday, August 5th, 2010

As jobless claims rise, Americans are becoming even more concerned about the economic recovery.

  • New unemployment claims rose last week, which may indicate a weak economic recovery.
  • The unemployment rate is expected to climb to 9.6% (up from 9.5% in June).
  • While growth expanded 3.7% in the first quarter of 2010, it fell to a 2.4% annual rate in the second quarter.
  • Generally speaking, consumers have cut spending.

Facts & Figures

  • Claims for state unemployment benefits rose 19,000 (the highest since April).
  • 4-week average of new jobless claims rose 5,250 to 458,500.
  • Jobless claims fell in 2009 but have stalled this year.
  • The number of people on emergency benefits rose 60,993 to 3.31 million in mid July.

Best Quote

“The bottom line is that any recovery in employment is going to be very slow. It’s likely that we’re still 9.5 percent unemployment or awfully close to it by the end of the year.” -Scott Wren, Senior Equity Strategist, Wells Fargo Advisors in St. Louis

Pros Help Nonprofits Kick It Up A Notch…

Monday, June 15th, 2009
Lawyers and business professionals are taking their big business breeding to the nonprofit world.
  • A growing number of lawyers and business professionals is flocking to the nonprofit world. Some made the move because they lost their jobs, while others are craving a career change.
  • Usually college students and recent grads seek out these nonprofit jobs, eager to work but also to learn. This new surge of professionals, armed with their experience and expertise, is extremely valuable to nonprofits.
  • Nonprofits are now prioritizing applicants with business and legal backgrounds, making them more competitive than ever.

Facts & Figures

  • Peace Corps applications are up 16% from last year, with a 50% increase among applicants over 50 years old.
  • Teach for America applications are up 42% this year, with an 80% increase among working professional applicants (rather than college students).

Best Quote

“Business-savvy volunteers are particularly good at helping nonprofits do more with less. These people are setting up credit unions, writing grants, managing resoures – it’s called indirect service.” – Sandy Scott, Director of Public Affairs at AmeriCorps