There are now 3.1 million people in the US, who have been unemployed for over 6 months. This is the highest level since 1948. We would probably have to go back to the 1930s to find a higher figure.Of course, there has been population growth,which would have some implications for the prevalence of long term unemployment. Nevertheless, 3.1 million is still a nasty number.
Actually, long term unemployment has been a persistent problem in the US. Since 9/11 there have been at least one million people without work for at least 6 months.
1984 Alice.
ReplyDeleteThe US population has slightly more than doubled since 1948. That would still make the spike at 2008 pretty bloomin' big.
ReplyDeleteIt's above 1984 levels, so it must be since the 30's.
ReplyDeleteMmm, masses of unemployed in a country with a weak educational system, measured by international standards, inadequate healthcare for many, poor housing stock, collapsing bridges, and in which the best career/education opportunities are afforded joining the armed forces to kill people overseas. God bless US-style capitalism!!! The type that 'cuts through'!!!
ReplyDeleteB. in C.
Simon, the chart doesn't show the 1930's so that second comment is hearsay. I agree with your first post
ReplyDeleteAnd that's the OFFICIAL numbers. Real unemployment is understated in the government reports!
ReplyDeleteAnon 19:22,
ReplyDeleteI think you'll find there was mass long term unemployment in the 1930's..
What is missing from the reported unemployment headlines are the number of people who are employed in jobs that pay a fraction of what they earned in another job. The carpenter who is now a gardener, the legal secretary who is now a counter attendant at a fast food restaurant, etc.
ReplyDeleteAlso missing are the folks who used to work 40 hours a week and now have the same job and work for less than 20 hours.