On Labor Day....Are You Thankful for Your Job?

Try viewing Labor Day from the other side....the unemployment line.

Rutgers University has published a survey, "The Anguish of Unemployment,” Nationwide Work Trends Survey of 1,200 Unemployed U.S. Workers Reveals the Economic and Personal Costs of Prolonged Joblessness. Some of the grim findings:

The survey finds that 60% of the recently unemployed lost their jobs suddenly, without advance warning. Eight in ten got two week’s notice or less. Just 15% of the jobless received any severance, and virtually none were offered retraining. Three in four unemployed workers say the economic situation has had a major impact on them and their family.

Only 40% of the currently unemployed received unemployment insurance to help them weatherthe economic crisis and 83% of those who did receive aid are concerned that their benefits will run out before they find a job. Underscoring another important debate, only half of the jobless have health benefits.

More than half of the jobless think the changes in the economy will be
fundamental and lasting,and when the unemployed are asked when the economy will recover, only 20% believe it will do so in the next year.

BUT if you are unemployed in North Carolina, you may also be worrying about
when and if you receive your unemployment insurance. From the Charlotte
Observer, "More NC Firms Fall Behind on Payroll Tax." Here are some troubling facts from the article:

"The Charlotte region's jobless rate is 12.4 percent, topping the statewide
11.1 percent. New U.S. data is out today, and some economists expect the
national rate to tick up to 9.5 percent. (Charlottemom - the national rate is 9.7)

The state has borrowed almost $925 million from the federal government since February – the sixth highest in the nation, according to the U.S. Department of Labor. (Charlottemom - with less revenue and more unemployed - how is NC going to repay these borrowed monies?)