• 10 New Year's Resolutions That Will Jump-Start Your Career

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“Many of you will resolve to do a whole host of things in 2013. Some will vow to eat healthier, lose weight, or save money—while others will pledge to land a new job, get a promotion, or earn more money.” Source: Forbes.com

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• “Employee Handbook Updates for 2013”

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“Legal and regulatory changes—more than new laws—are driving the need for company policy adjustments, revised plan documents and updated employee handbooks for 2013 by U.S. employers.” Source: SHRM.com

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• U.S. Consumer Confidence – November 2012

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“The Conference Board Consumer Confidence Index®, which had increased in October, posted a moderate increase in November. The Index now stands at 73.7 (1985=100), up from 73.1 in October…. ”Says Lynn Franco, Director of Economic Indicators at The Conference Board: ‘The Consumer Confidence Index increased in November and is now at its highest level in more than four and a half years (76.4 Feb. 2008). This month’s moderate improvement was the result of an uptick in expectations, while consumers’ assessment of present-day conditions continues to hold steady. Over the past few months, consumers have grown increasingly more upbeat about the current and expected state of the job market, and this turnaround in sentiment is helping to boost confidence.’” Source: The Conference Board

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• U.S. New Residential Sales - November 2012

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Sales of new single-family houses in November 2012 were at a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 377,000, according to estimates released jointly today. This is 4.4 percent (±16.8%) above the revised October rate of 361,000 and is 15.3 percent (±18.7%) above the November 2011 estimate of 327,000. The median sales price of new houses sold in November 2012 was $246,200; the average sales price was $299,700. The seasonally adjusted estimate of new houses for sale at the end of November was 149,000. This represents a supply of 4.7 months at the current sales rate. Source: USDOC-Census

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• Federal Unemployment Benefits May End Dec. 29

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“The Emergency Unemployment Compensation (EUC) program will end December 29, 2012 unless Congress reauthorizes this federal program. However, the Labor Department is asking claimants who are now collecting benefits under this program to continue filing.” Source: CTDOL

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• U.S. Initial Unemployment Claims Down 12k

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In the week ending December 22, the advance figure for seasonally adjusted initial claims was 350,000, a decrease of 12,000 from the previous week's revised figure of 362,000 and down 8.9% from the same week a year ago. The 4-week moving average was 356,750, a decrease of 11,250 from the previous week's revised average of 368,000. The advance seasonally adjusted insured unemployment rate was 2.5 percent for the week ending December 15, unchanged from the prior week's unrevised rate. The highest insured unemployment rates in the week ending December 8 were in Alaska (6.2), New Jersey (3.9), Pennsylvania (3.8), Puerto Rico (3.7), California (3.5), Montana (3.5), Oregon (3.5), Connecticut (3.3), Nevada (3.3), Illinois (3.2), and Wisconsin (3.2). The largest increases in initial claims for the week ending December 15 were in Florida (+5,080), Kentucky (+1,009), Mississippi (+651), Iowa (+646), and Indiana (+549), while the largest decreases were in California (-6,867), New Jersey (-5,101), Pennsylvania (-3,412), New York (-2,938) and Michigan (-2,889). Note: “Insured unemployment rate” refers to individuals who are unemployed and receiving UC benefits. Source: USDOL-BLS

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• “How To Do A Great Job Hiring Employees”

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“When hiring new employees, an employer’s goal is to make the best match between an applicant’s skills and a job’s requirements. With a solid hiring process, an employer can obtain the information it needs to assess an applicant’s abilities, make smart hiring decisions, and avoid areas that can lead to hiring discrimination claims. "The following tips are aimed at helping employers hire successful employees while avoiding some of the legal pitfalls of the hiring process.” Source: Business & Legal Resources

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• Connecticut’s Unemployment – November 2012

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Connecticut’s unemployment rate was estimated at 8.8% for November 2012. This is down two-tenths of a percentage point from October 2012 (9.0%), but five-tenths of a percentage point higher than November 2011 (8.3%). Connecticut’s seasonally adjusted civilian labor force was calculated at 1,883,200 for November 2012, down 34,900 over the year (-1.8%), and down by 11,100 (-0.6%) just from last month. This is the biggest monthly decline in civilian labor force ever in the state going back to 1976 when electronic records began, and the fifth consecutive large decline going back to July. The survey suggests that the majority of those leaving the labor force were previously working rather than unemployed. Connecticut’s labor force peaked more than a year ago in February 2011 at an all-time high of 1,921,800, seasonally adjusted. Unemployed: The estimate of people unemployed, seasonally adjusted, was lower by 4,600 (-2.7%) from October 2012 to 166,600 in November, and the unemployment rate declined two-tenths of a percentage point to 8.8%. The November 2012 United States unemployment rate was 7.7%, also down two-tenths of a percentage point over the month. November average weekly initial unemployment claims for first-time Connecticut filers increased over the month by 2,623 (53.5%) to 7,530, but were still lower by 1,164 claims (-13.4%) from last November 2011 (8,694), when they were heavily impacted by Storm Alfred. Hurricane Sandy’s landfall (Oct. 29, which was at the same time as Storm Alfred hit last year) led to elevated claims in early November. Source: CTDOL

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• Connecticut’s Hours and Earnings – November 2012

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The private sector workweek, not seasonally adjusted, averaged 34.0 hours in November 2012, unchanged from the October 2012 revised figure, and one-tenth of an hour lower than the level from November 2011 (34.1, -0.3%). Average hourly earnings at $28.25, not seasonally adjusted, are still down 12 cents or -0.4% from the November 2011 hourly pay estimate. The resulting average private sector weekly pay was estimated at $960.50, down $6.92, or -0.7% over the year. Year-to- year change in the Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers (CPI-U, U.S. City Average) in November was 1.8%. Source: CTDOL

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• Connecticut’s Labor Market Areas – November 2012

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“ Three of the six major Connecticut Labor Market Areas (LMAs) experienced job growth in November 2012, and three LMAs exhibited employment declines. The Norwich-New London LMA (500, 0.4%) led all LMAs in job gains in November, followed by Hartford-West Hartford-East Hartford (400, 0.1%) and Waterbury (200, 0.3%). Bridgeport-Stamford-Norwalk (-1,800, -0.5%) was the largest regional job decliner this month likely driven by storm-related issues. New Haven (-1,500, -0.6%) and Danbury (-300, -0.4%) also shed employment. The Connecticut coast and regions closest to New York seemed to be the most adversely affected, in terms of job loss this month. Source: CTDOL http://www1.ctdol.state.ct.us

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• Connecticut’s Recession Recovery - November 2012

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Connecticut has recovered 30,700, or 26.1%, of the 117,500 total nonfarm jobs lost in the March 2008 - February 2010 recessionary period. The private sector has regained 42,000 (38.1%) of the 110,200 private jobs lost during the downturn. It is now two years, nine months into the nonfarm employment recovery in the state. Government (-11,300), financial activities (-4,400), manufacturing (-2,100), and construction and mining (-300) have continued to lose jobs (net) even after the recovery began in February 2010. The leisure and hospitality supersector, on the other hand, has regained all (109.3%) of the jobs it lost in the Great Recession. The current job recovery high point in Connecticut (1,634,900) was reached in February 2012 during the record warm winter nine months ago. Source: CTDOL

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• Connecticut’s Employment by Industry – November 2012

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Five of Connecticut’s ten major employing industries displayed job growth in November 2012, while five industries showed over-the-month declines. Industry job gains were led by professional and business services, up 1,100 (0.6%). The construction and mining industry added 700 jobs (1.4%) this month as construction (700, 1.5%) led all gains, while mining was unchanged. Trade, transportation, and utilities added 400 jobs (0.1%). Wholesale trade (-500, -0.8%) job losses offset a retail trade (700, 0.4%) gain, while transportation and utilities (200, 0.4%) was slightly higher. Early retail trade staffing buildup for Christmas this November showed the most seasonal strength since 1998. Leisure and hospitality (100, 0.1%) produced a small net job gain as its underlying components offset each other. Arts, entertainment, and recreation services (1,000, 4.1%) strength was countered by a falloff in accommodation and food services (-900, -0.8%). Manufacturing (-1,200, -0.7%) experienced the largest decline in November and tallied its fourth consecutive monthly job drop. The larger durable goods (-1,000, -0.8%) and the non-durable goods (-200, -0.5%) production components were both estimated to have lost jobs. Defense production is facing some year-end uncertainty. Financial activities (-600, -0.5%) continued to lose employment and was driven lower by a drop from finance and insurance (-600, -0.5%). Real estate was unchanged over the month. The information industry (-600, -1.5%), pulled back notably this month after posting three monthly job gains in a row. The end of heightened election broadcasting activity may have had an influence. Government (-300, -0.1%) remained soft with local government (-300, -0.2%) showing the largest drop while the state (100, 0.2%) and federal (-100, -0.6%) government divisions offset each other. Education and health services industry conceded 200 jobs (-0.1%). A large education drop-off in jobs (-1,700, -2.6%) counteracted a solid health services gain (1,500, 0.6%).The education decline is unexpected mid-term and may have been driven by storm-related closings. Source: CTDOL

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• Proportion Who Worked and Number Who Experienced Unemployment Both Declined In 2011

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The proportion of the civilian noninstitutional population age 16 and over who worked some time during 2011 was 63.3 percent, down from 63.7 percent in 2010. The number of persons who experienced some unemployment during 2011 was 23.7 million, down by 1.5 million from 2010. Source: USDOL-BLS

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Greetings!

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May the Lord bless you and keep you. May the Lord make his face to shine upon you, and be gracious to you. May the Lord lift up his countenance upon you, and give you peace...this day and always. Numbers 6:24

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• Tolland, CT Employer to Lay Off

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The Connecticut Department of Labor says that Dari Farms Ice Cream Distributors in Tolland, CT will lay off 76 workers on 3/4/13. Source: CTDOL

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• U.S. and Connecticut Mass Layoffs – November 2012

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Connecticut employers took 9 mass layoff actions in November involving 805 workers, nsa, as measured by new filings for unemployment insurance benefits during the month. Each mass layoff involved at least 50 workers from a single employer. Connecticut mass layoff events in November were the same as in November 2011, but the number of associated initial claims increased by 539. Nationally, employers took 2,339 mass layoff actions involving 249,949 workers, nsa. U.S. mass layoff events in November increased by 946 from the same month a year ago, and the number of associated initial claims increased by 122,199. Source: USDOL-BLS

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• U.S. Payrolls – November 2012

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Private wage and salary disbursements increased $41.1 billion in November, in contrast to a decrease of $16.3 billion in October. The October decrease in private wages and salaries reflected work interruptions caused by Hurricane Sandy, which reduced wages and salaries by $18.2 billion at an annual rate. Goods-producing industries' payrolls increased $4.7 billion in November, in contrast to a decrease of $3.9 billion in October; manufacturing payrolls increased $3.6 billion, in contrast to a decrease of $2.6 billion. Services-producing industries' payrolls increased $36.4 billion, in contrast to a decrease of $12.4 billion. Government [which apparently produces neither goods nor services] wage and salary disbursements increased $0.6 billion, in contrast to a decrease of $1.6 billion. Source: USDOC-BEA

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• U.S. Personal Income and Spending – November 2012

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Personal income increased $85.8 billion, or 0.6 percent, and disposable personal income (DPI) increased $74.7 billion, or 0.6 percent, in November. As compared to November 2011, personal income increased 4.1%. Personal consumption expenditures (PCE) increased $41.3 billion, or 0.4 percent. In October, personal income increased $7.5 billion, or 0.1 percent, DPI increased $6.4 billion, or 0.1 percent, and PCE decreased $6.6 billion, or 0.1 percent, based on revised estimates. Real disposable income increased 0.8 percent in November, in contrast to a decrease of 0.1 percent in October. Real PCE increased 0.6 percent, in contrast to a decrease of 0.2 percent. Source: USDOC-BEA

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• U.S. State and Regional Employment and Unemployment – November 2012

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Unemployment: Regional and state unemployment rates were generally lower in November. Forty-five states [including Connecticut] and the District of Columbia recorded unemployment rate decreases and five states had no change. Forty-three states and the District of Columbia registered unemployment rate decreases from a year earlier, six states [including Connecticut] experienced increases, and one state had no change. Employment: In November 2012, thirteen states [but not Connecticut] recorded statistically significant over-the-month increases in employment, and two states and the District of Columbia had decreases. The largest statistically significant job gains occurred in North Carolina (+30,600), Florida (+24,500), and Louisiana (+16,900). The statistically significant job decreases occurred in New York (-33,500), the District of Columbia (-5,000), and Nebraska (-3,500). Source: USDOL-BLS

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• Connecticut’s Labor Situation – November 2012

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November 2012 employment estimates suggest a slightly improved labor market in the state this month. The unemployment rate dropped two-tenths of a percentage point and the state added 300 jobs in a November month hampered by a major storm recovery. There may still be lingering effects from Hurricane Sandy apparent in November’s employment estimates (last year, Storm Alfred hit the state at almost the same time, in late October). “November’s job and unemployment numbers are encouraging, especially in the light of the challenges that Hurricane Sandy brought,” said Andy Condon, Director of the Office of Research at the Connecticut Department of Labor. “However, the continuing trend of civilian labor force decline driven primarily by previously working individuals’ causes concern that we are seeing a fundamental shift in the demographics of Connecticut’s workforce. We will be watching carefully to see if this trend continues or is a temporary movement.” Source: CTDOL

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• U.S. Consumer Sentiment Fell to Five-Month Low – December 2012

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"U.S. consumer confidence fell in December to a five-month low as Americans grew more concerned about the possibility of higher taxes....” Source: Bloomberg.com

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• U.S. Durable Goods Manufacturers’ Shipments, Inventories and Orders – November 2012

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New orders for manufactured durable goods in November increased $1.6 billion or 0.7 percent to $220.9 billion. This increase, up six of the last seven months, followed a 1.1 percent October increase. Excluding transportation, new orders increased 1.6 percent. Excluding defense, new orders increased 0.8 percent. Source: USDOC-Census

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• Fed Links Rates to U.S. Unemployment

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“ The US Federal Reserve will keep interest rates at close to zero until unemployment falls below 6.5 per cent in a historic change to monetary policy. ”It is the first time a large central bank has ever tied its interest rate policy directly to the state of the economy. The Fed said it expects to keep rates low as long as its inflation forecast stays below 2.5 per cent.” Source: FT.com

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• U.S. Leading Indicators – November 2012

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“The Conference Board Leading Economic Index® (LEI) for the U.S. declined 0.2 percent in November to 95.8 (2004 = 100), following a 0.3 percent increase in October, and a 0.4 percent increase in September. “’The U.S. LEI decreased slightly in November, bringing its six-month growth rate to zero,’ says Ataman Ozyildirim, economist at The Conference Board. ‘The LEI points to increasing risks of slowing economic activity in the near term, but the coincident economic index, measuring current conditions, continued to increase in November. Gains in the residential construction and financial components of the LEI have been roughly balanced with weak consumer expectations, manufacturing new orders and labor market indicators over the last six months.’ ”Says Ken Goldstein, economist at The Conference Board: ‘The indicators reflect an economy that remains weak in the face of strong domestic and international headwinds, as it faces a looming fiscal cliff. Growth will likely be slow through the early months of 2013.’” Source: The Conference Board

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• U.S. Existing Home Sales – November 2012

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“Total existing-home sales1, which are completed transactions that include single-family homes, townhomes, condominiums and co-ops, rose 5.9 percent to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 5.04 million in November from a downwardly revised 4.76 million in October, and are 14.5 percent higher than the 4.40 million-unit pace in November 2011. ”Sales are at the highest level since November 2009 when the annual pace spiked at 5.44 million.” Source: National Association of Realtors

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U.S. Real GDP 3rd Estimate - Q3

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Real gross domestic product -- the output of goods and services produced by labor and property located in the United States -- increased at an annual rate of 3.1 percent in the third quarter of 2012 (that is, from the second quarter to the third quarter), according to the "third" estimate released by the Bureau of Economic Analysis. In the second quarter, real GDP increased 1.3 percent. The full text of the release on BEA's Web site can be found at: www.bea.gov/newsreleases/national/gdp/gdpnewsrelease.htm

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• U.S. Initial Unemployment Claims Up 17k

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In the week ending December 15, the advance figure for seasonally adjusted initial claims was 361,000, an increase of 17,000 from the previous week's revised figure of 344,000 and 2.4% below the same week a year ago. The 4-week moving average was 367,750, a decrease of 13,750 from the previous week's unrevised average of 381,500. The advance seasonally adjusted insured unemployment rate was 2.5 percent for the week ending December 8, unchanged from the prior week's unrevised rate. The highest insured unemployment rates in the week ending December1 were in Alaska (6.2), New Jersey (3.9), Pennsylvania (3.9), Puerto Rico (3.7), Montana (3.4), California (3.3), Nevada (3.3), Oregon (3.3), Connecticut (3.2), and Wisconsin (3.1). The largest increases in initial claims for the week ending December 8 were in California (+5,952), Florida (+749), Ohio (+743), Rhode Island (+197), and Colorado (+161), while the largest decreases were in New York (-11,295), Pennsylvania (-11,247), North Carolina (-8,564), Wisconsin (-5,726) and Georgia (-5,317). Click on chart to enlarge Note: “Insured unemployment rate” refers to individuals who are unemployed and receiving UC benefits. Source: USDOL-BLS

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• Connecticut’s Manufacturing Report Card

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“After decades of shedding factory jobs, manufacturing may seem just a vestige of Connecticut’s economic past. ”Yet in the Winter 2013 issue of The Connecticut Economy released today, UConn economist Steven Lanza issues a “report card” on manufacturing that presents the sector as among the most dynamic in the state’s economy, transformed by advanced technologies linked to research and development that are providing a catalyst for economic growth.” Source: UConn.edu

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• U.S. New Residential Construction - November 2012

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Building Permits: Privately-owned housing units authorized by building permits in November were at a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 899,000. This is 3.6 percent (±1.1%) above the revised October rate of 868,000 and is 26.8 percent (±1.7%) above the November 2011 estimate of 709,000. Single-family authorizations in November were at a rate of 565,000; this is 0.2 percent (±0.8%) below the revised October figure of 566,000. Authorizations of units in buildings with five units or more were at a rate of 307,000 in November. Housing Starts: Privately-owned housing starts in November were at a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 861,000. This is 3.0 percent (±14.3%) below the revised October estimate of 888,000, but is 21.6 percent (±12.5%) above the November 2011 rate of 708,000. Single-family housing starts in November were at a rate of 565,000; this is 4.1 percent (±13.3%) below the revised October figure of 589,000. The November rate for units in buildings with five units or more was 285,000. Source: USDOC-Census

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• Forbes Lists Bridgeport As Fourth-Dirtiest City in U.S.

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“ Citing blighted buildings, polluted property and poor air quality, Forbes Magazine named Bridgeport as the fourth "dirtiest city" in America. Source: CTPost.com

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• “When Domestic Violence Impacts the Workplace, What Should HR Do?”

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“A long-term, talented employee begins being absent too often. And when she does appear, she's wearing heavy makeup that can't fully disguise her facial bruises. She explains away a cast on her arm, saying she fell. In addition, her performance is slipping; questioned about it, she says she's having trouble concentrating and will try harder. "What now?” Source: Business & Legal Resources

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• HR Humor…from the Arabian Peninsula

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“I know many readers will find this article to be strange, especially that I have decided to write about few hilarious human resources situations and its funny scenarios, which I believe will give a chance to some people from different professions to have fun on HR professionals….” Source: Oman Daily Observer Not exactly “hilarious,” but still fun to read…may show some differences in the ways we look at HR; for example, the idea that someone from HR would walk out in the factory and fire someone without concurrence from pertinent managers….

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• US Unemployment, Congress, and the Fed – December 2012

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“Both the Fed and Congress need to do more to help: ”If Washington surprised everyone and struck an intelligent fiscal bargain in the next fortnight, the US labour market would still take years to regain its pre-recession level. It is thus encouraging that the Fed is looking at how to improve its zero interest rate guidance. ”At the moment it forecasts low rates until at least mid-2015 – a somewhat arbitrary date. It would be logical therefore to replace that with a trigger that linked interest rates with unemployment – say a threshold of 6.5 per cent. It would also make sense were lawmakers to do the same for unemployment insurance and the payroll tax holiday, both of which are about to expire. ”Unfortunately, Congress is not in such an innovative frame of mind.” Source: Financial Times

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• U.S. Labor Department Releases Advance Copies Of 2012 Form 5500 Annual Report

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“The U.S. Department of Labor's Employee Benefits Security Administration, the Internal Revenue Service and the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation today released advance informational copies of the 2012 Form 5500 annual return/report and related instructions. "These advance copies of the 2012 Form 5500 are for informational purposes only and cannot be used to file a 2012 Form 5500 annual return/report. “Pension and welfare benefit plans that are required to file electronically an annual return/report regarding their financial conditions, investments and operations each year generally satisfy that requirement by filing the Form 5500 or Form 5500-SF and any required attachments.” Source: USDOL

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• The Face of the U.S. Population – in 2060

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U.S. Census Bureau projections show a slower growing, older, more diverse nation a half century from now. According to the projections, the population age 65 and older is expected to more than double between 2012 and 2060, from 43.1 million to 92.0 million. The older population would represent just over one in five U.S. residents by the end of the period, up from one in seven today. The increase in the number of the “oldest old” would be even more dramatic — those 85 and older are projected to more than triple from 5.9 million to 18.2 million, reaching 4.3 percent of the total population. The non-Hispanic white population is projected to peak in 2024, at 199.6 million, up from 197.8 million in 2012. Unlike other race or ethnic groups, however, its population is projected to slowly decrease, falling by nearly 20.6 million from 2024 to 2060. Meanwhile, the Hispanic population would more than double, from 53.3 million in 2012 to 128.8 million in 2060. Consequently, by the end of the period, nearly one in three U.S. residents would be Hispanic, up from about one in six today. The black population is expected to increase from 41.2 million to 61.8 million over the same period. Its share of the total population would rise slightly, from 13.1 percent in 2012 to 14.7 percent in 2060. The Asian population is projected to more than double, from 15.9 million in 2012 to 34.4 million in 2060, with its share of nation's total population climbing from 5.1 percent to 8.2 percent in the same period. Among the remaining race groups, American Indians and Alaska Natives would increase by more than half from now to 2060, from 3.9 million to 6.3 million, with their share of the total population edging up from 1.2 percent to 1.5 percent. The Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander population is expected to nearly double, from 706,000 to 1.4 million. The U.S. is projected to become a majority-minority nation for the first time in 2043. While the non-Hispanic white population will remain the largest single group, no group will make up a majority. All in all, minorities, now 37 percent of the U.S. population, are projected to comprise 57 percent of the population in 2060. (Minorities consist of all but the single-race, non-Hispanic white population.) The total minority population would more than double, from 116.2 million to 241.3 million over the period. The nation’s total population would cross the 400 million mark in 2051, reaching 420.3 million in 2060. Source: USDOC-Census

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• Dec. 18 CONN-OSHA Breakfast Meeting Examines Digital Signage and Social Media

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“The growing importance of social media and digital signage, and its impact on a company’s overall safety communications plan will be discussed at the December 18 Breakfast Roundtable Discussion meeting sponsored by the Connecticut Department of Labor’s Division of Occupational Safety and Health (CONN-OSHA). ”Guest speaker is Frank Kenna, president of the Marlin Company in Wallingford, who will share his business’s own experiences with successfully integrating these strategies. The roundtable, which encourages discussion and the sharing of best practices, will be held 8:15 to 9:45 a.m., in conference rooms A & B of the agency’s Central Office, located at 200 at Folly Brook Boulevard, Wethersfield. ”’Digital signage and social media can improve safety and health awareness in the workplace,’ explains CONN-OSHA Safety Trainer John Able, and roundtable coordinator. ’In the past two years alone, digital signage, as a form of in-house safety communications has grown ten-fold, if not more, along with the growth of Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter.' ”According to Able, admission to the event is free, but pre-registration is required. To register or for additional information, please contact John Able at able.john@dol.gov.” Source: CTDOL-OSHA

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"How to Use Twitter for Recruiting"

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“Twitter is a great recruiting tool. It lets you search for profiles, resources, and more. The content is very rich. It is very accessible for recruiters. "To get started recruiting in social media, you have to use all of the tools you've got: posting, interacting, searching, etc. Twitter is a great place to start because you can do all of those things in one place.” Source: Business & Legal Resources

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• No-Solicitation Rules Lawful? Sometimes Yes; Sometimes No.

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“In general, the National Labor Relations Act permits an employer to maintain a rule prohibiting solicitation by employees during their work time, but not during non-work time. (Retailers also may prohibit solicitation in selling areas during both work and non-work time and health care employers may prohibit solicitation in patient care and treatment areas during both work and non-work time, as well.) ”A rule containing a blanket prohibition against solicitation (e.g., “no solicitation”) generally is unlawful because it could be interpreted by employees to prohibit employee solicitation during the employees’ non-work time. A rule prohibiting all non-employee solicitation on the premises, however, is lawful.” Read the complete analysis: Jackson.Lewis.com

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• Sandy Hook Elementary School

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We are so fortunate. We have a grandchild in the school. James was a few classrooms removed from the shooting, but he heard the shots and was among those protected by a brave teacher. On the refrigerator at James's house is a photo of him with his school classmates from last year. The little girl on his left in that photo didn't survive. Our prayer for the families and the lost: The LORD bless you and keep you; The LORD make His face shine upon you, And be gracious to you; The LORD lift up His countenance upon you, And give you peace. Numbers 6:24

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• “Connecticut Ranked Nation's Sixth Healthiest State”

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“The not-so-good news: We're not quite as healthy as we were a year earlier and suffer from many of the same stubborn health woes plaguing the rest of the country. "The United Health Foundation just released America's Health Rankings, an annual report....” Source: CTPost.com

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• "Termination of Employment Can Be a Proper Reinstatement Under the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act"

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“In Milhauser v. Minco Products, 2012 U.S. App. LEXIS 24938 (8th Cir. Dec. 5, 2012), the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit ruled that reinstatement under the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act ("USERRA") may include the termination of the returning employee's employment if that is the "position of employment" in which the returning employee would have been employed had he or she remained continuously employed. ”Milhauser answers a question that has appeared clear under Department of Labor regulations for USERRA for some time, but which few courts had considered. This clarification should help companies better understand their reinstatement obligations under USERRA.” Source: JDSupra.com

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• U.S. Workers Made No Gain in Real Pay in 12 Months Ended – November 2012

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Change From October: Hourly Earnings: Real* average hourly earnings for all employees rose 0.5 percent from October to November. This change resulted from a 0.2 percent increase in average hourly earnings combined with a 0.3 percent decline in the Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers (CPI-U). Weekly Earnings: Real average weekly earnings increased 0.5 percent over the month due to the increase in real average hourly earnings combined with an unchanged average workweek. Since reaching a peak in June 2012, real average weekly earnings has fallen 0.8 percent. Change From November 2011: Hourly Earnings: Real average hourly earnings were unchanged, seasonally adjusted, from November 2011 to November 2012. as an increase of 1.7% in wages was offset by a 1.7% increase in the CPI-U. Weekly Earnings: The unchanged real average hourly earnings, combined with an unchanged average workweek, similarly resulted in no change in real average weekly earnings over this period. Source: USDOL-BLS *Note: Real earnings show the effect of inflation on your pay. If your salary went up by 2.1% over the year while the cost-of-living (CPI-U) rose 2.3%, then the “real” value of your salary fell by 0.2% [differences in some of the data are due to rounding and seasonal adjustment]. The figures reported here are earnings for all employees on private nonfarm payrolls, seasonally adjusted.

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• U.S. Consumer Prices Up 1.8% in 12 Months Ended – November 2012

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The Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers (CPI-U) increased 1.8 percent over the last 12 months to an index level of 230.221 (1982-84=100). For the month, the index declined 0.5 percent prior to seasonal adjustment. The Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers (CPI-W) increased 1.7 percent over the last 12 months to an index level of 226.595 (1982-84=100). For the month, the index decreased 0.6 percent prior to seasonal adjustment. The Chained Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers (C-CPI-U) increased 1.6 percent over the last 12 months to an index level of 131.949. For the month, the index decreased 0.4 percent on a not seasonally adjusted basis. The Consumer Price Index for December 2012 is scheduled to be released on Wednesday, January 16, 2013, at 8:30 a.m. (EST). Source: USDOL-BLS

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• U.S. Long-Term Unemployment and Related Factors – November 2012

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The number of long-term unemployed (those jobless for 27 weeks or more) was little changed at 4.8 million in November. These individuals accounted for 40.1 percent of the unemployed. The civilian labor force participation rate declined by 0.2 percentage point to 63.6 percent in November, offsetting an increase of the same amount in October. Total employment was about unchanged in November, following a combined increase of 1.3 million over the prior 2 months. The employment-population ratio, at 58.7 percent, changed little in November. The number of persons employed part time for economic reasons (sometimes referred to as involuntary part-time workers), at 8.2 million in November, was little changed over the month. These individuals were working part time because their hours had been cut back or because they were unable to find a full-time job. In November, 2.5 million persons were marginally attached to the labor force, essentially unchanged from a year earlier. (These data are not seasonally adjusted.) These individuals were not in the labor force, wanted and were available for work, and had looked for a job sometime in the prior 12 months. They were not counted as unemployed because they had not searched for work in the 4 weeks preceding the survey. Among the marginally attached, there were 979,000 discouraged workers in November, little changed from a year earlier. (These data are not seasonally adjusted.) Discouraged workers are persons not currently looking for work because they believe no jobs are available for them. The remaining 1.5 million persons marginally attached to the labor force in November had not searched for work in the 4 weeks preceding the survey for reasons such as school attendance or family responsibilities. Source: USDOL-BLS

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• Employee’s Failure to Use Employer’s Timekeeping System Fatal to FLSA “Off the Clock” Claim, Tenth Circuit Rules

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“Affirming the dismissal of an employee’s claim for “off the clock” work under the federal Fair Labor Standards Act, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit has ruled that the employee’s failure to use his employer’s timekeeping system while working remotely was fatal to his claim for unpaid overtime. Brown v. ScriptPro, LLC, No. 11-3293 (10th Cir. Nov. 27, 2012). ”The Court noted that there was ‘no failure’ by the employer to keep accurate time records; rather, the employee failed to comply with the employer’s timekeeping system.” Source: JacksonLewis.com

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• Connecticut: Job Growth May Lag Until Second Half of 2013 -- Or Later If Fiscal Cliff Isn't Averted

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“Connecticut was able to slow its loss of jobs -- if not reverse the trend -- in the third quarter of 2012, and might have to wait until the second half of 2013 to see significant growth, the University of Connecticut's quarterly economic journal reported Wednesday. ”But the winter issue of The Connecticut Economy also warned that even this dour forecast might be scrapped for something worse -- including as many as 20,000 job losses -- if the Nutmeg State tumbles, along with the rest of the nation, over the fiscal cliff Jan. 1.” Source: CTMirror.org

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• EEOC: The Application of Title VII and the ADA to Applicants or Employees Who Experience Domestic or Dating Violence, Sexual Assault, or Stalking

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Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 prohibits discrimination based on race, color, sex, religion, or national origin, and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) prohibits discrimination on the basis of disability. [1] Because these federal EEO laws do not prohibit discrimination against applicants or employees who experience domestic or dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking as such, [2] potential employment discrimination and retaliation against these individuals may be overlooked. The examples provided in this publication illustrate how Title VII and the ADA may apply to employment situations involving applicants and employees who experience domestic or dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking. However, whether discrimination has actually occurred in a particular instance must be determined through an investigation of the facts alleged. Information on how to file an employment discrimination claim may be found at the end of this document. Source: EEOC

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• Year-End Brings Changes to Employee Tax Provisions"

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“With the fiscal cliff looming and new requirements under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA) fast approaching in 2013, employee benefit professionals may need to quickly implement payroll and benefit changes. ”Favorable reductions in employee payroll taxes and favorable employee tax exclusions for employer-provided adoption and educational assistance expire at the end of 2012.” Source: SHRM.org

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• U.S. Business Sales and Inventories – October 2012

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Sales: The combined value of distributive trade sales and manufacturers’ shipments for October, adjusted for seasonal and trading-day differences but not for price changes, was estimated at $1,257.7 billion, down 0.4 percent (±0.2%) from September 2012 and up 3.1 percent (±0.4%) from October 2011. Inventories: Manufacturers’ and trade inventories, adjusted for seasonal variations but not for price changes, were estimated at an end-of-month level of $1,619.2 billion, up 0.4 percent (±0.1%) from September 2012 and up 5.7 percent (±0.4%) from October 2011. Inventories/Sales Ratio: The total business inventories/sales ratio based on seasonally adjusted data at the end of October was 1.29. The October 2011 ratio was 1.26. Source: USDOC-Census

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• "Surprise: New Insurance Fee In Health Overhaul Law"

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“ Your medical plan is facing an unexpected expense, so you probably are, too. It's a new, $63-per-head fee to cushion the cost of covering people with pre-existing conditions under President Obama's health care overhaul. ”The charge, buried in a recent regulation, works out to tens of millions of dollars for the largest companies, employers say. Most of that is likely to be passed on to workers.” Source: USAToday.com

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• U.S. Monthly Treasury Statement – November 2012

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Just two months into the fiscal year and the U.S. is already $292 billion in the hole [click on table to enlarge]: Last year at this time the deficit was $235 billion, so it appears we're getting better and better at spending more than we take in. Source of table: U.S. Department of the Treasury

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• U.S. Initial Unemployment Claims Down 29k

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In the week ending December 8, the advance figure for seasonally adjusted initial claims was 343,000, a decrease of 29,000 from the previous week's revised figure of 372,000 and down 7.5% from the same week a year ago. The 4-week moving average was 381,500, a decrease of 27,000 from the previous week's revised average of 408,500. The advance seasonally adjusted insured unemployment rate was 2.5 percent for the week ending December 1, unchanged from the prior week's unrevised rate. The highest insured unemployment rates in the week ending November 24 were in Alaska (5.8), New Jersey (4.5), Puerto Rico (4.0), Oregon (3.8), Pennsylvania (3.7), California (3.5), Wisconsin (3.5), Montana (3.4), Connecticut (3.3), Nevada (3.2), and West Virginia (3.2). The largest increases in initial claims for the week ending December 1 were in California (+24,411), Pennsylvania (+14,636), North Carolina (+13,961), New York (+11,025), and Texas (+10,435), while the largest decreases were in Kentucky (-615), Idaho (-481), Vermont (-402), Florida (-348) and Wisconsin (-91). Note: “Insured unemployment rate” refers to individuals who are unemployed and receiving UC benefits. Source: USDOL-BLS

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• U.S. Retail Sales – November 2012

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U.S. retail and food services sales for November, adjusted for seasonal variation and holiday and trading-day differences, but not for price changes, were $412.4 billion, an increase of 0.3 percent (±0.5%) from the previous month and 3.7 percent (±0.7%) above November 2011. Total sales for the September through November 2012 period were up 4.3 percent (±0.5%) from the same period a year ago. The September to October 2012 percent change was unrevised from -0.3 percent (±0.2%). Retail trade sales were up 0.2 percent (±0.5%)* from October 2012 and 3.4 percent (±0.8%) above last year. Nonstore retailers were up 11.1 percent (±2.8%) from November 2011 and sporting goods, hobby, book and music stores were up 7.1 percent (±4.8%) from last year. Source: USDOC-Census

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• U.S. Producer Price Index – November 2012

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The Producer Price Index for finished goods fell 0.8 percent in November, seasonally adjusted. Prices for finished goods decreased 0.2 percent in October and rose 1.1 percent in September. At the earlier stages of processing, prices received by manufacturers of intermediate goods declined 1.2 percent in November, and the crude goods index edged up 0.1 percent. On an unadjusted basis, the finished goods index advanced 1.5 percent for the 12 months ended November 2012, the smallest increase since a 0.5- percent rise for the 12 months ended July 2012. Source: USDOL-BLS

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• U.S. Average Hourly Earnings – November 2012

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In November, average hourly earnings for all employees on private nonfarm payrolls rose by 4 cents to $23.63. Over the past 12 months, average hourly earnings have risen by 1.7 percent. In November, average hourly earnings of private-sector production and nonsupervisory employees edged up by 3 cents to $19.84. Source: USDOL-BLS

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• “HR Strategy Video: How To Talk To Your CEO About Turnover Costs”

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“As an HR professional, you likely understand the costs of employee turnover and how quickly those costs add up if turnover is high. "But how do you get the attention of your CEO to get him or her to make addressing turnover a priority?” Source: Business & Legal Resources

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• Connecticut: “Nonprofits Try Again to Make Their Case: 'We're At A Breaking Point'”

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“Facing another round of budget cuts, the leaders of nonprofits that contract with the state to provide services to people with disabilities, mental health and substance-abuse issues have dire warnings for policymakers. They say there's little left to cut, that they'll have to lay off staff and serve fewer people, and that clients will inevitably feel the pain. "They say the private nonprofit system is at a breaking point. ”They know this is not a new argument.” Source: CTMirror.org

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• Humor: The Office Party

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“There are two types of company holiday parties. There are company holiday parties in which employees bring their spouses or significant others and perhaps their adorable little kids, and then there are the company holiday parties in which employees typically go alone. ”Friends and family parties end promptly at 9 p.m. and everyone gets home safely. ”Employees-only company parties usually last 36 hours and result in at least six people being reported as missing.” Source: Online.WSJ.com

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• “Right-to-Work Battle Inches Toward Connecticut”

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“Right-to-work laws, presented as common sense by their anti-union supporters, allow any worker to choose whether he or she will be a dues-paying member of a union. The bare majority of states are so-called closed-shop states, in which everyone must join a union once it's certified.” Source: Courant.com

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• Database Of Nearly 3,000 Ready-For-Hire Candidates With Disabilities Awaits Employers

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The U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of Disability Employment Policy, in collaboration with the U.S. Department of Defense’s Office of Diversity Management and Equal Opportunity, has launched the 2013 Workforce Recruitment Program database, a recruitment resource for employers seeking a diverse workforce that includes employees with disabilities. Source: USDOL

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• “Firm Drops Connecticut Expansion, Raps Business Climate”

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“A Rhode Island moving company owner who lost a bid to operate in Connecticut says he will expand in Massachusetts, where he said he is more welcome." ” Source: NorwichBulletin.com

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• Coffee Break: “Coffee May Reduce Risk of Oral Cancer”

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“ A new study by the American Cancer Society finds a link between drinking coffee and reduced risk of death from oral/pharyngeal (mouth and throat) cancer. "People who drank more than 4 cups of caffeinated coffee a day were about half as likely to die from oral/pharyngeal cancer as people who drank coffee only occasionally or not at all. "The study was published online December 10, 2012 in the American Journal of Epidemiology….” Source: Cancer.org

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• “Connecticut Ranks As 6th Healthiest State”

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“The report, compiled by the United Health Foundation in collaboration with the American Public Health Association and Partnership for Prevention, cited Connecticut's low prevalence of smoking — although about 450,000 in the state still smoke.” Source: Courant.com

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• U.S. Average Hours of Work – November 2012

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The average workweek for all employees on private nonfarm payrolls remained at 34.4 hours in November. The manufacturing workweek edged up by 0.1 hour to 40.6 hours, and factory overtime was unchanged at 3.2 hours. The average workweek for production and nonsupervisory employees on private nonfarm payrolls edged up 0.1 hour to 33.7 hours. Source: USDOL-BLS

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• Respect, Not Friendship, Is What A Manager Needs

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“Friendship is one of the greatest things in life, but my opinion as a longtime manager is that it has no place in management. Respect, not friendship, is what a manager needs.” Source: Forbes.com

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• “Now Hiring? Tips for Conducting Interviews”

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“It's not always a candidate's fault when a job interview goes south. Hiring managers can be to blame. ”Now there are new techniques to help prevent the process from going wrong.” Source: Online.WSJ.com

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• “Why Training Workers Costs More Than You Think”

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“I pay Bill $24 an hour (like Bill himself, this is a made up number but a good approximation of the wages I pay experienced bench hands). With taxes and benefits, he costs me $30 an hour. When he’s working at the bench, I can sell his labor for $80 an hour. If I move him into the office, no product will be built. So that costs me $80 an hour in lost production, but I’m still paying him his wages. That means the cost of his training is already $110 an hour. ”Of course, someone has to train Bill. That would be my engineer. Guys like him cost about $48 an hour, including taxes and benefits. We bill him out at $90 an hour. If the engineer stops doing productive work and starts training Bill, I forgo both his production and the revenue we charge for it — but I still have to pay him for his services. That’s another $138 an hour. So the initial cost of training Bill is $248 an hour.” Source: NYTimes.com

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• Office Environment: "Putting Electronic Cigarettes To The Test"

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“ Are e-cigarettes harmful to users?” ”An unresolved question. It's harder still to judge the danger to bystanders. How many different substances do e-smokers exhale – and what are they? ”A new study brings light to the shadows.” Source: ScienceDaily.com

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• “Former Waterbury Nursing Home Clerk Charged with Stealing Patients’ Funds”

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“A former accounts receivable clerk at a Waterbury nursing home was arrested today and charged with stealing from a trust account that held money belonging to the nursing home’s patients. “Virginia A. Soules, age 46, of…Waterbury, was charged with one count of Larceny in the First Degree, a class B felony punishable by up to 20 years in prison. ”According to the arrest warrant affidavit, Ms. Soules managed the patient funds trust account at Meridian Manor, a 94-bed skilled nursing facility on Meriden Road in Waterbury. ”The charges against Ms. Soules are merely accusations, and she is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.” Source: State of Connecticut Division of Criminal Justice

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• Commuters: “As Transit Funds Grow Shorter, The Call For Tolls Grows Louder”

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“Transportation advocates and officials across Connecticut gathered in the state capitol Monday to face a sobering fact: At a time of soaring deficits on both the state and national levels, the funds available for transit improvements are shrinking fast. ”Funding on the federal level remains uncertain not only because of the slow negotiations to avoid the so-called "fiscal cliff," but also because a highway trust fund is nearly broke. Meanwhile, Connecticut's own deficit problems are creating financial uncertainty and a growing interest in the "third rail" of state politics -- highway tolls.” Source: CT.Mirror.org

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• Take the Dread Out of Performance Reviews

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“Although HR professionals, people managers, and employees often face annual performance reviews with feelings of dread, that doesn’t have to be the case, experts say. HR can help everyone get the most out of the experience.” Source: Wordpress.com

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• U.S. Job Openings and Labor Turnover – October 2012

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There were 3.7 million job openings on the last business day of October, little changed from September. The hires rate (3.2 percent) and separations rate (3.1 percent) were also little changed in October. This release includes estimates of the number and rate of job openings, hires, and separations for the nonfarm sector by industry and by geographic region. Source: USDOL-BLS

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• Human Resources: “How Can HR Become A Strategic Partner?”

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“How can HR show its value to the executives at an organization? By becoming a strategic partner. But how can HR achieve this? ”In this video, BLR's CEO Dan Oswald offers HR professionals advice on what they can do to achieve being seen and valued by company executives as a strategic partner.” Source: Business & Legal Resources

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• Employer Costs for Employee Compensation - September 2012

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Employer costs for employee compensation averaged $30.80 per hour worked in September 2012. Wages and salaries averaged $21.32 per hour worked and accounted for 69.2 percent of these costs, while benefits averaged $9.48 and accounted for the remaining 30.8 percent. Private Industry: Total employer compensation costs for private industry workers averaged $28.95 per hour worked in September 2012. State and Local Government: Employers spent an average of $41.56 per hour worked for employee compensation in September 2012. Wages and salaries averaged $26.91 per hour and accounted for 64.7 percent of compensation costs, while benefits averaged $14.65 per hour worked and accounted for the remaining 35.3 percent. Source: USDOL-BLS

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• U.S. Wholesale Trade: Sales and Inventories - October 2012

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Sales. October 2012 sales of merchant wholesalers, except manufacturers’ sales branches and offices, after adjustment for seasonal variations and trading-day differences but not for price changes, were $408.5 billion, down 1.2 percent (+/- 0.7) from the revised September level, but were up 2.3 percent (+/-1.1%) from the October 2011 level. Inventories. Total inventories of merchant wholesalers, except manufacturers’ sales branches and offices, after adjustment for seasonal variations but not for price changes, were $497.1 billion at the end of October, up 0.6 percent (+/-0.4%) from the revised September level and were up 6.6 percent (+/-1.1%) from the October 2011 level. Inventories/Sales Ratio. The October inventories/sales ratio for merchant wholesalers, except manufacturers’ sales branches and offices, based on seasonally adjusted data, was 1.22. The October 2011 ratio was 1.17.” Source: USDOC-Census

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• “The Biggest Career Crashes of 2012”

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“ What do Lance Armstrong, David Petraeus and Lindsay Lohan have in common? ”All of their careers took a big hit in 2012. ”With help from my Forbes colleagues, I’ve compiled a list of the biggest career crashes of the year. Here are the top 15:” Source: Forbes.com

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• U.S. Employment By Industry – November 2012

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Total nonfarm payroll employment increased by 146,000 in November. Since the beginning of this year, employment growth has averaged 151,000 per month, about the same as the average monthly job gain of 153,000 in 2011. Retail trade employment rose by 53,000 in November and has increased by 140,000 over the past 3 months. Over the month, job gains occurred in clothing and clothing accessory stores (+33,000), in general merchandise stores (+10,000), and in electronics and appliance stores (+9,000). Employment in miscellaneous store retailers decreased by 13,000. Employment in professional and business services rose by 43,000. Employment continued to increase in computer systems design and related services. Health care employment continued to increase (+20,000), with gains in hospitals (+8,000) and in nursing care facilities (+5,000). Health care has added an average of 26,000 jobs per month this year. Employment in wholesale trade edged up over the month (+13,000). Since reaching an employment trough in May 2010, the industry has added 228,000 jobs. Information employment also edged up (+12,000), with the increase concentrated in motion picture and sound recording (+15,000). On net, information employment has changed little over the past 12 months. Leisure and hospitality employment continued to trend up (+23,000). Over the past 12 months, the industry has added 305,000 jobs. Employment in construction declined by 20,000 in November, with much of the loss occurring in construction of buildings (-11,000). Since early 2010, employment in construction has shown no clear trend. Manufacturing employment changed little over the month. Within the industry, job losses in food manufacturing (-12,000) and chemicals (-9,000) more than offset gains in motor vehicles and parts (+10,000) and wood products (+3,000). On net, manufacturing employment has changed little since this past spring. Employment in other major industries, including mining and logging, transportation and warehousing, financial activities, and government, showed little change in November. Source: USDOL-BLS

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• U.S. International Trade In Goods and Services - October 2012

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Trade balance worsened in October. Total October exports of $180.5 billion and imports of $222.8 billion resulted in a goods and services deficit of $42.2 billion, up from $40.3 billion in September, revised. October exports were $6.8 billion less than September exports of $187.3 billion. October imports were $4.9 billion less than September imports of $227.6 billion. In October, the goods deficit increased $1.8 billion from September to $59.2 billion, and the services surplus decreased $0.1 billion from September to $16.9 billion. Exports of goods decreased $6.5 billion to $127.5 billion, and imports of goods decreased $4.6 billion to $186.6 billion. Exports of services decreased $0.3 billion to $53.0 billion, and imports of services decreased $0.2 billion to $36.1 billion. The goods and services deficit decreased $3.5 billion from October 2011 to October 2012. Exports were up $1.8 billion, or 1.0 percent, and imports were down $1.7 billion, or 0.8 percent.” Source: USDOC-BEA

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• “Warning Signs That Employees May Be Headed Out The Door”

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“Human resources executive Karen LaCroix talked to the Dallas Morning News about five warning signs that an employee may resign.” Source: Rep-Am.com

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• “Online Hiring Systems Frustrate Applicants”

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“The emailed rejection came as no surprise to Bill Skibinski, though the Abingdon, Md., resident believed he was more than qualified for the entry-level job he'd applied for online. ”After spending two years seeking full-time work, Skibinski is convinced the computerized screening systems most companies use to hire actually work against job candidates, no matter how qualified they are.” Source: Rep-Am.com

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• “Employee Turnover Set To Rise: What Can HR Do?”

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“ Employee turnover may not seem like a top priority today since so many employees have been content simply having a job through the recession. With every passing month, however, more employees are feeling that the recession worries are no longer an obstacle. ”In fact, according to new research, around half of current employees plan to leave their job.” Source: Business & Legal Resources

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• “Study: Preventing Health Risks Has Rapid Payoff”

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”Health-promotion efforts lowered health care costs in first year, research indicates: “Cost savings associated with health risk reduction begin accumulating in as little as one year, particularly for those with chronic conditions, according to a 2012 employer study…. ”The research showed that a reduction in employee health risks led quickly to cost savings.” Source: SHRM

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• Gov. Malloy: Residents Can Begin Applying for Temporary Job Opportunities to Assist with Sandy Recovery Efforts

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Residents can now contact the Connecticut Department of Labor (CTDOL) for information on potential temporary employment opportunities related to Storm Sandy recovery efforts under a program developed in cooperation with federal partners utilizing a $1.8 million federal grant the state received in the aftermath of the storm. Source: Governor’s Office

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• Help-Wanted Advertising Did Not Expand – November 2012

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“Online advertised vacancies were basically unchanged (down 15,700) in November to 4,719,900, according to The Conference Board Help Wanted OnLine® (HWOL) Data Series…. “’Hurricane Sandy pushed the national labor demand into negative territory as declines along the East Coast more than offset the gains in States in the central and western U.S,’ said June Shelp, Vice President at The Conference Board. 'The hurricane effect on the East Coast impacted job demand from Virginia to Massachusetts and contributed to a combined drop of 20,000 in New York and New Jersey. As we head into the final month of the year, November has left the average monthly national gain for the eleven months of 2012 at a very weak 36,000/month.'” 12-Month Change: Nevertheless, as compared to the same month a year ago, online help-wanted ads were up 12.5% nationally, 5.2% in Connecticut, and 7.1% in Hartford [the only city in CT for which data are reported]. Source: The Conference Board

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• U.S. Unemployment Among Major Worker Groups – November 2012

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"The unemployment rate edged down to 7.7 percent in November. The number of unemployed persons, at 12.0 million, changed little. "Among the major worker groups, the unemployment rates for adult men (7.2 percent), adult women (7.0 percent), teenagers (23.5 percent), whites (6.8 percent), and Hispanics (10.0 percent) showed little or no change in November. The unemployment rate for blacks (13.2 percent) declined over the month. The jobless rate for Asians was 6.4 percent (not seasonally adjusted), little changed from a year earlier." Source: USDOL-BLS

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• “Preventing Sexual Harassment at Holiday Parties”

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“Holiday parties are meant to fun. They're planned with good intentions, but they can become a nightmare for HR if something goes wrong. The dangers of people getting hurt or sexually harassed increase dramatically when people start drinking or get relaxed in an environment that feels much more casual than work. ”No matter how careful the planning is, employers can still end up with problems. ”There are, however, steps that can be taken to reduce the risks.” Source: Business & Legal Resources

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• “Why Connecticut's Jobs Machine is Sputtering”

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Hartford Courant: “As the year draws to a close, Connecticut, more than most states, remains hostage to the fiscal cliff talks in Washington DC. But even without that bit of Yuletide feuding, the jobs picture here is grimmer than just about anyplace as the nation as a whole marches ahead. ”What's going on?” Link to story: Courant.com

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• U.S. Consumer Sentiment Declines More Than Forecast – December 2012

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“Confidence among consumers fell more than forecast in December as Americans’ expectations slumped to a one-year low. ”The Thomson Reuters/University of Michigan preliminary consumer sentiment index decreased to 74.5, the weakest in four months, from 82.7 in November. Economists projected a preliminary reading of 82 for December, according to the median of 67 estimates in a Bloomberg survey.” Source: BusinessWeek.com

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• “Employers Oppose OSHA Policy Discouraging Monetary Safety Incentives”

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“A new directive from OSHA is trying to dissuade employers from judging safety program effectiveness primarily by counting recordable injuries, and using monetary incentives to reward employees with good safety records.” Source: SHRM

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• U.S. Employment Situation – November 2012

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Total nonfarm payroll employment rose by 146,000 in November, and the unemployment rate edged down to 7.7 percent, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported today. Employment increased in retail trade, professional and business services, and health care. The number of unemployed persons, at 12.0 million, changed little. Source: USDOL-BLS

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• “Do You Have A Workplace Odor And Fragrance Policy? Here's Sample Language”

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”With 60 million Americans suffering from either asthma or allergies and an estimated 50 million allergic to nuts, perfume, pollen, dust, dander, foods, drugs, latex, insects, and other items commonly found in the workplace, it's no wonder that employers are facing increased requests for odor and fragrance policies to help reduce the incidence of allergic reactions. ”What type of language should employers include in an odor and fragrance policy?” Source: Business & Legal Resources

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• 20 Percent of U.S. Adults Experienced Mental Illness In The Past Year

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One in 5 American adults aged 18 or older, or 45.6 million people, had mental illness in the past year, according to a report from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). The 2011 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH): Mental Health Findings report…conducted by the federal government since 1971, the survey collects data through face-to-face interviews with approximately 65,750 people aged 12 years or older nationwide, at the respondent's place of residence. Mental illness among adults aged 18 or older is defined as having had a diagnosable mental, behavioral, or emotional disorder (excluding developmental and substance use disorders) in the past year, based on criteria specified in the fourth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, published by the American Psychiatric Association. Source: SAMHSA

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• EEOC: Federal Age Discrimination Law Does Not Protect Younger Workers

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The ADEA prohibits age discrimination in employment, but limits coverage "to individuals who are at least 40 years of age." 29 U.S.C. § 631(a). The Supreme Court found that the ADEA only protects older workers against discrimination that disfavors them as compared to younger workers, even when all of the workers are at least 40 years old. See generally, General Dynamics Land Sys. v. Cline, 540 U.S. 581 (2004) (workers age 40-49 who were treated less favorably than those 50 and older in retiree health benefit plan changes do not have claims, because the ADEA does not prohibit discrimination against relatively younger workers). Therefore, the ADEA would not prohibit minimum age requirements even if the minimum age requirement were set at age 40 or above, because the minimum age requirement would benefit the relatively older workers and only harm the relatively younger workers. Source: EEOC

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• U.S. Initial Unemployment Claims Down 25k

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In the week ending December 1, the advance figure for seasonally adjusted initial claims was 370,000, a decrease of 25,000 from the previous week's revised figure of 395,000 and down 3.4% from the same week a year ago. The 4-week moving average was 408,000, an increase of 2,250 from the previous week's revised average of 405,750. The advance seasonally adjusted insured unemployment rate was 2.5 percent for the week ending November 24, a decrease of 0.1 percentage point from the prior week's unrevised rate. The highest insured unemployment rates in the week ending November 10 were in Alaska (5.7), New Jersey (3.9), Puerto Rico (3.6), Pennsylvania (3.3), Connecticut (3.1), Oregon (3.1), Nevada (2.9), Montana (2.8), and New York (2.8). The largest increases in initial claims for the week ending November 24 were in Wisconsin (+5,876), Oregon (+2,328), Ohio (+2,252), Washington (+2,107), and Iowa (+1,262), while the largest decreases were in New Jersey (-23,966), California (-7,053), New York (-6,682), Texas (-6,425) and North Carolina (-2,609). Note: “Insured unemployment rate” refers to individuals who are unemployed and receiving UC benefits. Source: USDOL-BLS

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• “More Employees Covered by Self-Insured Health Plans”

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“The percentage of U.S. workers in private-sector self-insured health plans has been increasing. "In 2011, 58.5 percent of workers with employer-provided health coverage were in self-insured plans, up from 40.9 percent in 1998.” Source: SHRM

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• Connecticut Occupational Illnesses - 2010

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“There were approximately 3,000 reported cases of occupational illnesses in 2010...with a rate of 23.1 per 10,000 workers, a 12% decrease in rate from 2009. "Two categories decreased, including a 15% decrease in 'other illnesses' (which consists primarily of repetitive trauma cases), which is the largest category of cases and hearing loss (40% decrease). "The rate of respiratory illnesses remained constant and skin conditions increased by 17%. Poisonings were too low to meet publishing criteria.” Read the full report

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• Connecticut Department of Health Offers Tips on Safely Preparing Your Holiday Meals

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The Department of Public Health (DPH) reminds Connecticut residents that food safety is especially important as they prepare holiday meals. Many holiday dinners include meat and poultry, a possible source of foodborne disease if not handled and prepared properly. This holiday season, DPH urges consumers to prevent foodborne illness and follow the basic principles of food safety and good hygiene when buying and preparing food items. Source: CTDPH

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• “Aetna Starts Reimbursement Program — Giving Workers Cash Back For Exercising”

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“In an ongoing effort by health insurers to get customers to live healthier lives, Aetna Inc. this week announced a new reimbursement program to reduce the price of gym memberships, exercise equipment and other health aids. ”For example, a person could get cash back after buying a treadmill or signing up to go to the gym, provided that person has both Aetna as a health insurer and an employer that agrees to pay to reimburse a portion of exercise expenses….” Source: Courant.com

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• U.S. Manufacturers’ Shipments, Inventories and Orders – October 2012

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New orders for manufactured goods in October, up three of the last four months, increased $3.8 billion or 0.8 percent to $477.6 billion, the U.S. Census Bureau reported today. This followed a 4.5 percent September increase. Excluding transportation, new orders increased 1.3 percent. Shipments, up three of the last four months, increased $1.9 billion or 0.4 percent to $482.3 billion. This followed a 0.7 percent September increase. Unfilled orders, up four of the last five months, increased $2.8 billion or 0.3 percent to $982.9 billion. This followed a 0.1 percent September increase. The unfilled orders-to-shipments ratio was 6.25, up from 6.24 in September. Inventories, up four consecutive months, increased $0.5 billion or 0.1 percent to $616.0 billion. This was at the highest level since the series was first published on a NAICS basis in 1992 and followed a 0.6 percent September increase. The inventories-to-shipments ratio was 1.28, unchanged from September. Source: USDOC

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• U.S. Productivity and Labor Costs - Q3 2012

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Nonfarm business sector labor productivity increased at a 2.9 percent annual rate during the third quarter of 2012, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported today. The increase in productivity reflects increases of 4.2 percent in output and 1.3 percent in hours worked. (All quarterly percent changes in this release are seasonally adjusted annual rates.) From the third quarter of 2011 to the third quarter of 2012, productivity increased 1.7 percent as output and hours worked rose 3.5 percent and 1.8 percent, respectively. Labor productivity, or output per hour, is calculated by dividing an index of real output by an index of hours worked of all persons, including employees, proprietors, and unpaid family workers. The measures released today were based on more recent source data than were available for the preliminary report. Unit labor costs in nonfarm businesses declined 1.9 percent in the third quarter of 2012, while hourly compensation increased 0.9 percent. Unit labor costs rose slightly, 0.1 percent, over the last four quarters. Source: USDOL-BLS

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• “Implementing An Internal Employee Mentoring Program”

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“Companies contemplating the implementation of an internal employee mentoring program should consider the benefits. Such an initiative matches selected employees with a colleague serving as their mentor to provide support, encouragement and personal and career growth. ”The effort is popular for new employees but is also appropriate for veterans wanting to gain long term personal development, advice about their future, networking and good connections.” Source: Business & Legal Resources

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• OSHA 300 Recordkeeping - What Does and Does Not Need to be Recorded

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December 12, 2012 from 8:30 a.m. to 12:00 noon The purpose of this workshop is to introduce the requirements and procedures related to OSHA Injury & Illness Recordkeeping. The class will help develop skills to accurately report occupational injuries and illnesses. Resources and reference materials will be provided. If you are responsible for completing the documents required by this rule (OSHA 300, OSHA 300A and OSHA 301), or if you supervise the person that completes the forms, or if you are a safety committee member, this class is a must! All classes are free and are held at the Connecticut Department of Labor, 200 Folly Brook Boulevard, Wethersfield, CT 06109, in Conference Room A. You must bring a photo ID with you on the day of the training or you will not be admitted to the building. Pre-registration is required. To register for any of these classes or if you would like information on an occupational safety and/or health event posted on this page, contact John Able, able.john@dol.gov, 860-263-6902, or Catherine Zinsser, zinsser.catherine@dol.gov, 860-263-6942. Source: CTDOL

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• “State's Salary Subsidies Program Results In Hundreds of Hires”

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“…more than 300 firms to benefit from Step Up, which has resulted in 899 unemployed people being hired since the program began in February. "Under the program, state money covers a substantial part of the wages of the newly hired people for the first six months.” Source: Courant.com

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• “A Closer Look At What Connecticut Pays Higher Education Execs”

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“The Malloy administration insists that the $410,000 compensation package it awarded in 2011 to the former president of the state's college system was competitive. ”But the median pay for presidents of institutions that grant master's degrees is $272,500 -- two-thirds the salary Robert A. Kennedy received….” Source: CTMirror.org

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• U.S Manufacturing Sector Contracted – November 2012

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“Manufacturing contracted in November as the PMI™ registered 49.5 percent, a decrease of 2.2 percentage points when compared to October's reading of 51.7 percent. "This is the fourth month in the last six months that the PMI™ has contracted, and the index is at its lowest level since July 2009 when the PMI™ registered 49.2 percent. "A reading above 50 percent indicates that the manufacturing economy is generally expanding; below 50 percent indicates that it is generally contracting.” Source: Institute for Supply Management

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• U.S. Construction At $872.1 Billion Annual Rate – October 2012

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Construction spending during October 2012 was estimated at a seasonally adjusted annual rate of $872.1 billion, 1.4 percent (±2.0%) above the revised September estimate of $860.4 billion. The October figure is 9.6 percent (±2.3%) above the October 2011 estimate of $795.7 billion. During the first 10 months of this year, construction spending amounted to $707.4 billion, 9.3 percent (±1.3%) above the $646.9 billion for the same period in 2011.” Source: USDOC-Census

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• Human Resources Outsourcing

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“Outsourcing allows companies to offload work that isn’t part of their core business. It also saves money. ”But some H.R. experts are concerned that the trend has gone too far, to the point that employees are suffering in areas like training and career development, and that employers are losing crucial business opportunities.” Source: NYTimes.com

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• “Why Human Resources Isn't Just For Women Anymore”

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”It’s long been said that Human Resources (HR) is a woman’s game. After all, it’s about the soft skills and “touchy feel-y” stuff—the things that women are supposedly great at. ”My entire career reinforces that. Every HR team I’ve ever been a part of has had more many women than men.” Source: Forbes.com

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• U.S. Payrolls Shrank Thanks to Sandy – October 2012

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Private wage and salary disbursements decreased $17.1 billion in October, in contrast to an increase of $22.4 billion in September. The October decrease in private wages and salaries reflected work interruptions caused by Hurricane Sandy, which reduced wages and salaries by $18.2 billion at an annual rate. Goods-producing industries' payrolls decreased $3.6 billion in October, in contrast to an increase of $3.9 billion in September; manufacturing payrolls decreased $2.1 billion, in contrast to an increase of $1.8 billion. Services-producing industries' payrolls decreased $13.5 billion, in contrast to an increase of $18.3 billion. Government wage and salary disbursements increased $0.1 billion, compared with an increase of $1.7 billion. Source: USDOC-BEA

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• U.S. Personal Income and Outlays - October 2012

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Personal income increased $0.4 billion, or less than 0.1 percent, and disposable personal income (DPI) increased $0.8 billion, or less than 0.1 percent, in October. Personal income was 3.1% above the same month a year ago. Personal consumption expenditures (PCE) decreased $20.2 billion, or 0.2 percent. In September, personal income increased $47.8 billion, or 0.4 percent, DPI increased $42.1 billion, or 0.4 percent, and PCE increased $84.0 billion, or 0.8 percent, based on revised estimates. The October estimates of personal income and outlays reflect the effects of Hurricane Sandy, which made landfall in the United States on October 29. Source: USDOC-BEA

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• Connecticut’s Hours and Earnings – October 2012

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Hours of Work: The private sector workweek, not seasonally adjusted, averaged 34.0 hours in October 2012, lower by three-tenths of an hour from the September 2012 figure (34.3), and four-tenths of an hour lower than the level as of last October 2011 (34.4, -1.2%). Wages: Average hourly earnings at $27.93, not seasonally adjusted, are down 54 cents or -1.9% from the October 2011 hourly amount. The resultant average private sector weekly pay was estimated at $949.62, down $29.75, or -3.0% over the year. Year-to-year change in the Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers (CPI-U, U.S. City Average) in October was 2.2%. Source: CTDOL http://www.ctdol.state.ct.us

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• U.S. New Home Sales Down for Month, Up for Year – October 2012

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Sales of new single-family houses in October 2012 were at a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 368,000. This is 0.3 percent (±18.3%) below the revised September rate of 369,000, but is 17.2 percent (±21.2%) above the October 2011 estimate of 314,000. The median sales price of new houses sold in October 2012 was $237,700; the average sales price was $278,900. The seasonally adjusted estimate of new houses for sale at the end of October was 147,000. This represents a supply of 4.8 months at the current sales rate. Source: USDOC-Census

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• USDOL-OSHA Cites Bristol, Conn., Metal Stamping Plant For 30 Serious Safety Violations, Proposes $139,000 In Fines

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“The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration has cited Associated Spring-Barnes Group Inc. for 30 alleged serious violations of workplace safety standards at the company's Bristol metal stamping plant. The company faces a total of $139,000 in proposed fines for electrical, mechanical, exit access, fall and combustible dust hazards identified during an inspection by OSHA's Hartford Area Office…. ”Specifically, OSHA found that combustible dust was allowed to accumulate, two of the plant's dust collection systems lacked controls to prevent or suppress fires and explosions, and three emergency exit routes led through areas where the dust collection systems would vent if a fire occurred. Inspectors also found a variety of machine guarding, electrical and fall hazards; damaged protective gloves; and an improperly stored container of combustible liquid. Finally, the employer did not provide an emergency eyewash, refitted hearing protection for employees who sustained a standard threshold shift in their hearing and a fire extinguisher in an area where combustible aluminum is cut…. ”Associated Spring-Barnes Group has 15 business days from receipt of its citations and proposed penalties to comply, meet informally with OSHA's area director or contest the findings before the independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission…. Source: OSHA

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• U.S. Initial Unemployment Claims Down 23k

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In the week ending November 24, the advance figure for seasonally adjusted initial claims was 393,000, a decrease of 23,000 from the previous week's revised figure of 416,000 and down 1.5% from the same week a year ago. The 4-week moving average was 405,250, an increase of 7,500 from the previous week's revised average of 397,750. The advance seasonally adjusted insured unemployment rate was 2.6 percent for the week ending November 17, unchanged from the prior week's unrevised rate. The highest insured unemployment rates in the week ending November 3 were in Alaska (5.1), New Jersey (4.1), Puerto Rico (3.8), Pennsylvania (3.6), Connecticut (3.2), Oregon (3.1), California (3.0), New York (2.9), Nevada (2.8), Virgin Islands (2.8), and West Virginia (2.8). The largest increases in initial claims for the week ending November 17 were in Florida (+1,534), Michigan (+1,427), Massachusetts (+1,189), Kentucky (+945), and Minnesota (+872), while the largest decreases were in New York (-30,603), California (-26,337), Pennsylvania (-11,451), Oregon (-1,997) and North Carolina (-1,851). Note: “Insured unemployment rate” refers to individuals who are unemployed and receiving UC benefits. Source: USDOL-BLS

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• U.S. GDP Grew Faster Than First Reported– Q3 2012

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Real gross domestic product -- the output of goods and services produced by labor and property located in the United States -- increased at an annual rate of 2.7 percent in the third quarter of 2012 (that is, from the second quarter to the third quarter), according to the "second" estimate. In the second quarter, real GDP increased 1.3 percent. The GDP estimate released today is based on more complete source data than were available for the "advance" estimate issued last month. In the advance estimate, the increase in real GDP was 2.0 percent. The full text of the release on BEA's Web site

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• “Workers’ Compensation: When Can Employer Terminate A Worker With A Claim?

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"When can an employer terminate a worker with a workers' compensation claim? "For any employer considering firing an employee who is out on workers' comp leave—or recently back from it—don't make a move before considering all the angles.” Source: Business & Legal Resources

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• Metropolitan Area Employment and Unemployment - October 2012

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Unemployment: Rates were lower in October than a year earlier in 329 of the 372 metropolitan areas, higher in 37 areas, and unchanged in 6 areas. Three areas recorded jobless rates of at least 15.0 percent, while 41 areas registered rates of less than 5.0 percent. The largest over-the-year unemployment rate declines in October were registered in Pascagoula, Miss. (-3.1 percentage points), Elkhart-Goshen, Ind. (-2.9 points), and Ocala, Fla. (-2.8 points). Twenty-six additional areas had decreases of 2.0 percentage points or more. Elmira, N.Y., reported the largest over-the-year jobless rate increase (+1.1 percentage points), followed by Yuma, Ariz. (+1.0 point). Employment: 288 metropolitan areas reported over-the-year increases in nonfarm payroll employment, 80 reported decreases, and 4 had no change. The largest over-the-year employment increase occurred in New York-Northern New Jersey-Long Island, N.Y.-N.J.-Pa. (+128,000), followed by Houston-Sugar Land-Baytown, Texas (+95,800), and Los Angeles-Long Beach-Santa Ana, Calif. (+78,300). The largest over-the-year percentage gain in employment was reported in Lafayette, La. (+8.5 percent), followed by Elkhart-Goshen, Ind. (+7.3 percent), and Columbus, Ind. (+7.2 percent).” Source: USDOL [complete report with CT data]

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