Jobless recovery in the United States.

In the U.S., productivity gains allow companies to increase sales without adding workers, causing millions of people continue unemployed. Complete note here.

We've talked about this phenomenon in the past.

Spain: Rajoy raises the VAT from 18 to 21%

Mariano Rajoy, president of the Spanish government, implemented new measures to achieve an adjustment of 65,000 million euros over the next two years. The measures include: i) cuts in public employees and ii) increases in taxes, raise VAT from 18 to 21%. More information here.

The Americas Social Security Report celebrates 10 years – Social Security and Labor Markets through Economic Cycles 2010

Following with the summary of 10 years of Americas Social Security Reports, this note will discuss the Americas Social Security Report 2010 – Social Security and Labor Markets through Economic Cycles. The Report studies the relationship between economic cycles and social insurance. It is based on two facts: i) social security exists precisely to deal with economic downturns; and ii) by the time the topic of the Report is decided, it was clear that many countries were in a recession that some economist forecasted to be deep and long lasting and unemployment rates had risen considerably. Thus, the Report analyzed issues such as unemployment insurance and the lack of it in many countries, the challenges faced by financially weakened national governments to face the problems of the lack of coverage, and the structural deficiencies of pension systems.

OECD Week 2012: Paris, May 22-24

OECD week brings together politicians, business leaders, academics and civil society in order to share ideas, discuss and debate ways to shift from indignation and inequality to inclusion and integrity. Deliver better lives: jobs for today and the education and skills for the jobs of tomorrow, healthy environment, and equal opportunities. More information here.

The labor market continues to improve in the U.S.

On a previous note we refer to evidence showing a recovery in U.S. employment. Today the labor market extends its run showing for third consecutive month gains over 200,000 jobs. More infromation here.

Job market is improving in the U.S

Figures from the Labour Department are the latest evidence that the job market is improving in the United States. Last week saw the lowest number of people claiming unemployment assistance since March 2008. More information here.

Britain's jobs crisis is deepening

In Britain, almost half of unemployed workers aged 50 or over 50 have been out of work for a year or more. More information here.

With a weak labor market is not possible to postpone the retirement age

The crisis caused more workers want to delay the retirement. However, this could be limited by the labor market. In a weak labor market, work may not be available for all older workers who wish to keep working. More information here.

Interesting comments on the unemployment in the United States, Posner and Becker

This note present comments on the unemployment in the United States. Posner and Becker talk about the importance of structural unemployment in the country.

ECLAC perspectives for 2012

Yesterday we talk about IMF expectations for Latin America in 2012. Today we present the ECLAC perspectives. According to the Organization, Latin America and the Caribbean will grow by 3.7% in 2012 amid global uncertainty and volatility.

Increases employment in the United States ... Acceleration of economic activity?

The US unemployment rate fell to its lowest level (8.5%) for almost three years. This may mean that the economic recovery may finally be building up a head of steam. More information here.

Public workers according to Posner and Becker

Posner and Becker discussed the problem of the number of public workers and the fiscal problems involved.

ILO warns of major labour market decline

A study prepared by the International Labour Organization (ILO) and the OECD warns of major G20 labour market decline in 2012 and a serious jobs shortfall by 2015. More information here.

Spain: More crisis effects

The cuts in social spending continue to affect services in Spain. In Catalonia this is meaning longer lines in the health services ...

US recession and its impact on the poor

In the United States recession has had different impacts on the poor. In rural areas, poverty remained unchanged last year, while in suburbs it reached historic levels. More information here.

Overheating Risks in Latin America

New International Monetary Fund Report "Regional Economic Outlook Western Hemisphere: Watching Out for Overheating" warns of overheating risks in Latin America. The region is experiencing an excessively stimulative environment: high commodity prices and easy external financial conditions. The region’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) is estimated to have expanded by around 6 percent in 2010, and it is projected to grow about 4.75 percent this year, this will require that governments withdraw any policy stimulus on a timely basis. For a summary of the report, see the press release here.

ILO says global unemployment will continue in 2011

In its report "Global Employment Trends 2011: The challenge of a jobs recovery", the International Labour Organization (ILO) warned that given that global unemployment record highs for the third straight year, its slow recovery will continue during 2011, especially in developed economies. The report also says that youth employment should be a priority, because in 2010 among 56 countries with available data there were 1.7 million fewer youth in the labour market than expected. See complete note here.

The "Baby Boomers" face inadequate retirement pensions

The number of Canadians close to retirement age is growing at a rate never seen before in Canada. This is because the first round of baby boomers reached 65 years old. This along with the economic crisis has forced workers to work more years than he had planned or to receive a pension lower than they should. The government knows that it´s a problem and is in the midst of crafting some solutions. More information here.

The 2007-2009 recession and loss of health insurance coverage

During the recent economic recession, job losses and income reductions led to 5 million Americans losing their employment-based health insurance. In the last decade, even in good economic times, the number of Americans with employment-based health insurance has fallen and the number of uninsured has risen. To access the whole article, click here.

Economic crisis cut global wage growth by half: ILO

In the “Global Wage Report 2010/11 – Wage policies in times of crisis”, the International Labour Organization (ILO) revealed that the economic and financial crisis has cut global wage growth by half in 2008 and 2009.