| ”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 |
30 November 2012
• “Why Human Resources Isn't Just For Women Anymore”
• U.S. Payrolls Shrank Thanks to Sandy – October 2012
| 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 |
• U.S. Personal Income and Outlays - October 2012
| 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 |
29 November 2012
• Connecticut’s Hours and Earnings – October 2012
| 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 |
• U.S. New Home Sales Down for Month, Up for Year – October 2012
| 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 |
• USDOL-OSHA Cites Bristol, Conn., Metal Stamping Plant For 30 Serious Safety Violations, Proposes $139,000 In Fines
|
“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 |
• U.S. Initial Unemployment Claims Down 23k
| 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 |
• U.S. GDP Grew Faster Than First Reported– Q3 2012
| 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 |
• “Workers’ Compensation: When Can Employer Terminate A Worker With A Claim?
| "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 |
28 November 2012
• Metropolitan Area Employment and Unemployment - October 2012
|
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).” |
• “Must-Have Job Skills in 2013”
| “Even as employers remain cautious next year about every dollar spent on employees, they'll also want workers to show greater skills and results.
”For employees who want to get ahead, basic competency won't be enough. ”To win a promotion or land a job next year, experts say there are four must-have job skills....” Source: Onlline.WSJ.com |
• Employment in Connecticut’s Labor Market Areas – October 2012
| Four of the six major Connecticut Labor Market Areas (LMAs) had job growth in
October 2012, and two LMAs had employment declines. The major Connecticut LMAs are calculated and
seasonally adjusted independently from the statewide numbers.
The Hartford-West Hartford-East Hartford LMA (1,300, 0.2%) and New Haven (1,100, 0.4%) led labor area growth this October. Also Danbury (600, 0.9%) and Waterbury (200, 0.3%) added to jobs this month. Norwich-New London (-600, -0.5%) continued employment weakness in October and leads all BLS recognized LMAs in jobs lost over the year (-2,200, -1.7%). Bridgeport-Stamford-Norwalk (-600, -0.2%) also posted a job loss this month, but still leads all Connecticut LMAs in job growth magnitude (3,600, 0.9%) since October 2011. Source: CTDOL |
• CT WC Commission Posts New CRB Opinions
| “Read the following Compensation Review Board Opinions, newly posted to our website:
•”Kakabadze v. JC Penney Catalog Distribution Center (Case No. 5707 CRB-8-11-12) - November 26, 2012 •”Passalugo v. Guida-Seibert Dairy Company (Case No. 5796 CRB-6-12-11) - November 27, 2012.” |
• New Haven Employer to Lay Off
| The Connecticut Department of Labor says that ProPark, Inc. of New Haven will lay off 186 employees beginning 1/20/13.
The ProPark website says, ” Propark America is a well-established national parking company poised to provide services across the country. Our developed infrastructure allows us to seamlessly integrate our systems into any market, new or established. Our opening team specialists and trainers have coordinated location start-ups in five different states on the same day and are available at a moment's notice to implement our proven critical path and countdown processes at your locations.” Source: CTDOL |
• Will Online Courses Mean the End of U.S. Universities?
| “In a recent editorial, Ray Kurzweil, futurist and Singularity Chancellor, compared the current university model to the bookstore model, suggesting that universities will be undermined by online the way that digital books undermined Borders.
”Others have suggested that universities are headed the way of the newspaper. ”Others have suggested that online teaching represents a new funding model for universities.” Source: Forbes.com |
27 November 2012
• “Video: CEO Explains How HR Can Get A Seat At The Table”
| “What does HR need to do be seen as a strategic partner by the CEO and other executives in an organization?
”In this video, BLR's Dan Oswald shares his perspective as a CEO as to what steps HR professionals should take if they truly want to have a 'seat at the table' of their company.” Source: Business & Legal Resources |
• “Aligning Human Resources & Strategic Plans”
| “Most organizations view the department of Human Resources (HR) as an
administrative function and ignore the need and opportunity to align it with its strategic
plans. In circumstances where HR is included in the strategy of an organization, its
alignment does not go beyond a forecasting function.
”The main reason that HR is not aligned with the strategy of an organization is that it does not hold a seat at the strategic planning table. ”The irony with HR being left of out of strategy planning is that by its nature, HR is about people, which is the core of an organization and its strategic plan.” Source: MaverickEC.com |
• U.S. Consumer Confidence Up – November 2012
| “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 |
• “Let Them Grow Up On Someone Else’s Payroll.”
| “Every C.E.O. I met described recent graduates as lacking the skills and discipline required in today’s workplace. They complained that young employees deemed themselves entitled to promotion before mastering their assigned tasks. "All concluded, in effect, ‘Let them grow up on someone else’s payroll.’” Source: NYTimes.com |
• Connecticut’s Recovery from Recession - October 2012
|
Connecticut has recovered 30,200, or 25.7%, of the 117,500 total nonfarm jobs lost in the
March 2008 - February 2010 recessionary downturn.
The private sector has regained 41,300 (37.5%) of the 110,200 private jobs lost in that same recessionary period. Government (-11,100), financial activities (-4,200), construction and mining (-1,200), and manufacturing (-800), have yet to regain jobs (net) even after the recovery began in February 2010. The current job recovery high point in Connecticut (1,634,900) was reached in February 2012 during the record warm winter eight months ago. Connecticut total nonfarm employment is now at 1,624,900. Source: CTDOL |
• Connecticut’s Employment, by Industry – October 2012
|
Five of Connecticut’s ten major employing industry industries displayed job growth in October 2012, while five
industries showed declines.
Gainers Job gaining industries in October were led by leisure and hospitality (2,200, 1.6%). A statistically significant move from accommodation and food services (3,000, 2.7%) component drove the increase. The transportation, and utilities (1,900, 0.7%) industry was the next major industry job producer. All three components, wholesale trade (600, 1.0%), retail trade (700, 0.4%), and transportation and utilities (600, 1.2%) supported the gains. The other services industry increased 500 jobs (0.8%). Personal and religious services had over-the-month growth. Information logged its’ third monthly job gain in a row (200, 0.6%). Recent broadcasting activity and industry expansions are the current catalyst, while telecommunications held steady. Government accumulated a 100 position gain (less than 0.05%) with small state (100, 0.2%) and local (200, 0.1%) entity increases offsetting a federal decline (-200, -1.2%). Losers Education and health services (-1,500, -0.5%) led job losing industry industries in October, driven by the health care and social assistance (-2,300, -0.9%) component which posted a statistically significant decline that could not be offset by an education gain (800, 1.2%). The financial activities industry (-1,100, -0.8%) also recorded a statistically significant drop. Both subsectors, finance and insurance (-1,000, -0.9%, considered statistically significant) and real estate (-100, -0.5%), contributed to the industry monthly loss. Professional and business services shed 600 positions (-0.3%) this month. Professional, scientific, and technical services (-300, -0.3%) and administrative and support services (-400, -0.5%) declined while management services (100, 0.4%) posted a small gain. Manufacturing (-300, -0.2%) tallied its third consecutive monthly drop. The larger durable goods (-400, -0.3%) production subsector lost jobs while the non-durable goods (100, 0.3%) production components were slightly positive. Construction and mining (-200, -0.4%) declined as both mining (-100, -16.7%) and construction (-100, -0.2%) shed jobs. Source: CTDOL |
• Bristol Woman Sentenced in Employee Theft Case
| “A Bristol woman was sentenced to serve five years in prison for embezzling more than $200,000 from the company where she worked.” |
• U.S. Durable Goods Orders – Up A Bit – October 2012
|
New orders for manufactured durable goods in
October increased slightly to $216.9 billion.
This increase, up five of the last six months, followed a 9.2 percent September increase. Excluding transportation, new orders increased 1.5 percent. Excluding defense, new orders increased 0.1 percent. Source: USDOL-Census |
26 November 2012
• “5 Myths Of Human Resources Management”
| “HR is one of those fields where numerous myths endure. Part of the reason is HR tends to be more professional practice than rigorous academic discipline, so there is no foundation of basic science that informs both practitioners and researchers.
"Indeed many have lamented about the chasm between the two, and have called for a closer partnership. Nevertheless, several myths pervade human capital management (HCM). "We’ll explore five of them.” Source: Forbes.com |
• Connecticut’s Unemployment – October 2012
|
Connecticut’s unemployment rate was estimated at 9.0% for October 2012. This is up one-tenth of a percentage
point from September 2012 (8.9%), and five-tenths of a percentage point higher than October 2011 (8.5%).
Connecticut’s seasonally adjusted civilian labor force was calculated at 1,894,400 in October 2012, down 23,000 over the year (-1.2%), and down by 3,500 (-0.2%) from last month. Connecticut’s labor force peaked over a year ago in February 2011, at an all-time high of 1,921,800, seasonally adjusted. Unemployment: The estimate of people unemployed, seasonally adjusted, was higher by 1,500 (0.9%) from September 2012 to 171,100 in October, and the unemployment rate rose one-tenth of a percentage point to 9.0%. The October 2012 United States unemployment rate was 7.9%, up one-tenth of a percentage point over the month. Source: CTDOL |
• Connecticut WC Commission Posts New CRB Opinions
| Read the following Compensation Review Board Opinions, newly posted to our website:
Duarte v. Franstel of CT Corp. (Case No. 5692 CRB-7-11-11) - November 13, 2012; Loehfelm v. Town of Stratford-Board of Education (Case No. 5710 CRB-4-11-12) - November 14, 2012; and Montenegro v. Palmieri Food Products, Inc. (Case No. 5701 CRB-3-11-11) - November 15, 2012. Source: Connecticut Workers’ Compensation Commission |
• “10 Ways To Limit Holiday Party Liquor Liability”
| “The holiday season is upon us, and if you’re planning a company party or awards banquet, you might want to give some thought to your policy on alcohol.”
Source: Business & Legal Resources |
• “More U.S. Workers Are Now Picking Their Insurance Coverage”
| “For some American workers, picking the right health insurance is becoming more like hunting for the perfect business suit: It takes some shopping around to find a good fit and avoid sticker shock.
"In a major shift in employer-sponsored health insurance coverage, companies such as Sears Holdings Corp. and Darden Restaurants Inc. are giving employees a fixed amount of money and letting them choose their own coverage based on their individual needs.” Source: Rep-Am.com |
25 November 2012
• Heart Attack More Likely with Job Loss
| “New research on older adults in the US finds that being unemployed, experiencing multiple job loss and even going for short periods without work is tied to a greater risk for heart attack (acute myocardial infarction, AMI) compared with no job loss.”
Source: MNT.com |
24 November 2012
• U.S. Women’s Earnings – 1979 to 2011
| “Between 1979 and 2011, the earnings gap between women and men narrowed for most age groups. The women’s-to-men’s earnings ratio among 25- to 34-year-olds grew from 68 percent in 1979 to 92 percent in 2011, for example, and the ratio for 45- to 54-year-olds increased from 57 percent to 76 percent.
”In 2011, among the age groupings of those 35 years and older, women had earnings that ranged from 75 percent to 81 percent of those of their male counterparts. Among younger workers, the earnings differences between women and men were not as large. ”At each level of education, women aged 25 years and older have fared better than men with respect to long-term earnings growth. Although both women and men without a high school diploma have experienced declines in inflation-adjusted earnings since 1979, the drop for women was significantly less than that for men: a 10-percent decrease for women—as opposed to a 33-percent decline for men.” Source: USDOL-BLS |
• Feds Propose Increase in Rewards Permitted for Wellness Programs
| The USDOL, IRS, etc. have issued proposed amendments to regulations regarding nondiscriminatory wellness
programs in group health coverage.
Specifically, these proposed regulations would increase the maximum permissible reward under a health-contingent wellness program offered in connection with a group health plan (and any related health insurance coverage) from 20 percent to 30 percent of the cost of coverage. The proposed regulations would further increase the maximum permissible reward to 50 percent for wellness programs designed to prevent or reduce tobacco use. These regulations also include other proposed clarifications regarding the reasonable design of health-contingent wellness programs and the reasonable alternatives they must offer in order to avoid prohibited discrimination. Source: Federal Register |
• Wage Garnishments
|
“With the bear economy continuing into 2013, and so many people in debt, a professional in human resources may get ahead by reading up on laws relating to wage garnishment. In debt collection, wage garnishment laws stop fraud by consumers who cannot pay bills when due.
”Wage garnishment affects the workplace when there is a court judgment, taxes, or a family law support order, a debtor does not allocate assets to pay.” Source: HumanResourcesJournal.com |
• “Protest at Waterbury Walmart Fizzles For Lack Of Permit”
|
“ The planned protest at Walmart on Wolcott Street was short-lived Friday.
”Participants in the informational picketing led by Local 371 of the United Food & Commercial Workers International Union arrived at the store shortly before 10 a.m., prepared to hand out leaflets and show support for the employees of Wal-Mart Inc. nationwide who have been protesting poor working conditions for the past couple of weeks.” Source: Rep-Am.com |
• Connecticut DOL’s Take on State’s Employment Situation – October 2012
| Connecticut’s payroll jobs survey estimates Connecticut added 1,200
jobs over the month and a mall increase in the state’s unemployment rate to 9.0%.
”Though our monthly employer and household employment survey programs have been volatile in recent months with many ups and downs, it appears that job growth rates have been slowing over the last two quarters,” said Andy Condon, Director of the Office of Research at the Connecticut Department of Labor. “With October’s results we are, for the first time, showing year-over-year declines in job levels. "However, we believe that when we complete our annual benchmark revisions in March, we will be showing as many as 8,000 to 9,000 more jobs in the state than the payroll survey currently indicates. If so, the current year-over-year declines will no longer hold.” Source: CTDOL |
23 November 2012
• “14 Bad Habits That Can Cost You Your Job”
| “We all have bad habits. Perhaps you procrastinate, gossip, or lack punctuality. These negative behaviors don’t necessarily make you a terrible person—but as an employee they can reflect poorly upon you, and even cost you your job.
“A single bad habit is not likely to get you fired immediately, but the cumulative effect of the bad habit over time can...." Source: Forbes.com |
22 November 2012
• Waterbury: Employer to Lay Off
| “AT&T Inc. plans to cut about 70 jobs and close its operator services unit at 348 Grand St. by mid-December, a union official said Tuesday.”
Source: Rep-Am.com |
• U.S. Consumer Sentiment Slides – November 2012
| “Confidence among U.S. consumers rose less than anticipated in November, indicating the impending fiscal tightening may be starting to damp Americans’ moods.
”The Thomson Reuters/University of Michigan final index of consumer sentiment was little changed at 82.7, a five-year high, from the prior month’s 82.6. The gauge was projected to rise to 84.5, according to the median forecast of 65 economists surveyed by Bloomberg. The preliminary reading was 84.9.” Source: Bloomberg.com |
• U.S. Leading Indicators Advanced…A Bit – October 2012
| “The Conference Board Leading Economic Index® (LEI) for the U.S. increased 0.2 percent in October to 96.0 (2004 = 100), following a 0.5 percent increase in September, and a 0.4 percent decline in August.
”Says Ataman Ozyildirim, economist at The Conference Board: ‘The U.S. LEI increased slightly in October, the second consecutive increase. The LEI still points to modestly expanding economic activity in the near term. Over the last six months, improvements in the residential construction and financial components of the LEI have offset weak consumer expectations, manufacturing new orders and labor market components. Meanwhile, the coincident economic index also increased slightly in October.’ ”Says Ken Goldstein, economist at The Conference Board: ‘Based on current trends, the economy will continue to expand modestly through the early months of 2013. Hurricane Sandy, which is not yet fully reflected in the LEI, will likely adversely affect consumer spending and home building in the short-term, but it’s too soon to gauge the net impact. In addition, the outcome of the fiscal cliff debates is another factor which could alter the outlook.’” Source: The Conference Board |
• “Workers Hospitalized Following Fire at Connecticut Manufacturer
|
"Uretek Archer LLC, a urethane coating and laminate fabric manufacturer in New Haven, CT, has been cited by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration after four workers were hospitalized in August because of a machine fire. The agency found two repeat violations similar to violations cited during a 2008 inspection, and four serious violations. "The inspection revealed that Uretek did not meet OSHA's hazardous energy control requirements, such as shutting down and securing the power source before maintenance of the machine that caught fire, among other violations. The fire occurred when a flammable solvent used to clean machines ignited. OSHA found that the employer had not taken adequate precautions to eliminate potential ignition sources and that the fire alarm system was inoperable. ”Uretek Archer 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: USDOL-OSHA |
21 November 2012
• U.S. and Connecticut Mass Layoffs – October 2012
| Nationwide: Employers took 1,360 mass layoff actions in October involving 131,173 workers as
measured by new filings for unemployment insurance benefits during the month (Data are seasonally adjusted.)
Each mass layoff involved at least 50 workers from a single employer. Mass layoff events in October increased by 44 from September, and the number of associated initial claims increased by 8,711. In October, 344 mass layoff events were reported in the manufacturing sector resulting in 42,946 initial claims. Connecticut: Employers took 3 mass layoff actions in October involving 221 workers as measured by new filings for unemployment insurance benefits during the month (Data are seasonally adjusted.) Connecticut mass layoff events in October decreased by 5 from October 2011, and the number of associated initial claims decreased by 419. Source: USDOL-BLS |
• U.S. Regional and State Unemployment – October 2012
|
From Last Month: Regional U.S.land state unemployment rates were little changed in October. Thirty- seven states and the District of Columbia recorded unemployment rate decreases, seven states [including Connecticut] posted rate increases, and six states had no change. Last 12 Months: Forty-two states and the District of Columbia registered unemployment rate decreases from a year earlier, while eight states [including Connecticut] experienced increases. The national jobless rate, 7.9 percent, was essentially unchanged from September but was 1.0 percentage point lower than in October 2011. Employment In October 2012, nonfarm payroll employment increased in 35 states [including Connecticut] and the District of Columbia and decreased in 15 states. The largest over-the-month increase in employment occurred in California (+45,800), followed by Texas (+36,600) and Georgia (+16,100). The largest over-the-month decrease in employment occurred in Michigan (-16,500), followed by New Jersey (-11,700) and Minnesota (-8,100). Source: USDOL-BLS |
• 2013 Standard Mileage Rates Up 1 Cent per Mile for Business, Medical and Moving
| The Internal Revenue Service has issued the 2013 optional standard mileage rates used to calculate the deductible costs of operating an automobile for business, charitable, medical or moving purposes.
Beginning on Jan. 1, 2013, the standard mileage rates for the use of a car (also vans, pickups or panel trucks) will be: • 56.5 cents per mile for business miles driven • 24 cents per mile driven for medical or moving purposes • 14 cents per mile driven in service of charitable organizations The rate for business miles driven during 2013 increases 1 cent from the 2012 rate. The medical and moving rate is also up 1 cent per mile from the 2012 rate. The standard mileage rate for business is based on an annual study of the fixed and variable costs of operating an automobile. The rate for medical and moving purposes is based on the variable costs. Taxpayers always have the option of calculating the actual costs of using their vehicle rather than using the standard mileage rates. A taxpayer may not use the business standard mileage rate for a vehicle after using any depreciation method under the Modified Accelerated Cost Recovery System (MACRS) or after claiming a Section 179 deduction for that vehicle. In addition, the business standard mileage rate cannot be used for more than four vehicles used simultaneously. These and other requirements for a taxpayer to use a standard mileage rate to calculate the amount of a deductible business, moving, medical, or charitable expense are in Rev. Proc. 2010-51. Notice 2012-72 contains the standard mileage rates, the amount a taxpayer must use in calculating reductions to basis for depreciation taken under the business standard mileage rate, and the maximum standard automobile cost that a taxpayer may use in computing the allowance under a fixed and variable rate plan. Source: IRS |
• Connecticut Labor Force Data for Affirmative Action Plans: Q3 2012
| … provides quarterly labor force information for Connecticut and its nine labor market areas.
The data presented are designed to meet the requirements of the Office of Federal Contract Compliance and/or the Connecticut Commission on Human Rights and Opportunities for companies, State agencies, and municipalities that submit an Affirmative Action Plan. Includes statewide and labor market area estimates of total labor force, unemployment rates, and unemployed women and minorities. Information on the broad occupational skills of women and minority job seekers registered with the CTWorks Career Centers can also be found here. Source: CTDOL |
• U.S. Initial Unemployment Claims Down 41k
| In the week ending November 17, the advance figure for seasonally adjusted initial claims was 410,000, a decrease of 41,000 from the previous week's revised figure of 451,000 but up 4.9% from the same week a year ago. The 4-week moving average was 396,250, an increase of 9,500 from the previous week's revised average of 386,750. The advance seasonally adjusted insured unemployment rate was 2.6 percent for the week ending November 10, unchanged from the prior week's unrevised rate. The highest insured unemployment rates in the week ending November 3 were in Alaska (5.1), Puerto Rico (3.8), New Jersey (3.6), Virgin Islands (3.5), Connecticut (3.4), Pennsylvania (3.3), California (3.2), New York (3.1), Oregon (3.1), Arkansas (2.8), Nevada (2.8), and West Virginia (2.8). The largest increases in initial claims for the week ending November 10 were in New York (+43,956), New Jersey (+31,094), California (+24,693), Pennsylvania (+7,037), and Connecticut (+1,808), while the largest decreases were in Ohio (-4,996), Indiana (-877), Arkansas (-665), Massachusetts (-607), and Maryland (-576). Note: “Insured unemployment rate” refers to individuals who are unemployed and receiving UC benefits. Source: USDOL-BLS |
• “Beware Nonunion Employers: NLRB May Knock At Your Door
“We understand that if none of your employees belongs to a union, you probably don't believe the National Labor Relations Board should have any interest in your organization.
 Source: Business & Legal Resources |
20 November 2012
• U.S. Housing Starts, Building Permits – October 2012
|
Building Permits: Privately-owned housing units authorized by building permits in October were at a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 866,000. This is
2.7 percent (±0.8%) below the revised September rate of 890,000, but is 29.8 percent (±1.8%) above the October 2011 estimate of
667,000.
Single-family authorizations in October were at a rate of 562,000; this is 2.2 percent (±0.8%) above the revised September figure of 550,000. Authorizations of units in buildings with five units or more were at a rate of 280,000 in October. Housing Starts: Privately-owned housing starts in October were at a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 894,000. This is 3.6 percent (±13.1%)* above the revised September estimate of 863,000 and is 41.9 percent (±15.9%) above the October 2011 rate of 630,000. Single-family housing starts in October were at a rate of 594,000; this is 0.2 percent (±10.3%)* below the revised September figure of 595,000. The October rate for units in buildings with five units or more was 285,000.” Source: USDOC-Census |
• Connecticut’s Employment Situation Not Improved – October 2012
| Connecticut’s October 2012 total non-agricultural employment, seasonally adjusted, grew 1,200 positions, or 0.1%,
to 1,624,900 over the month.
Since October 2011, the state’s job market has lost 2,800 jobs, or a -0.2% decline. This is the fourth monthly job gain in 2012, along with five months of losses, and one month with no change in job levels. The September preliminary estimate of a 2,000 (0.1%) job gain was revised lower by the Bureau of Labor Statistics to a 400 (less than -0.05%) job loss. The first ten months of 2012 have now produced job growth of just 1,400 positions. This is behind last year’s pace of 12,000 jobs added through October. The private sector in Connecticut added 1,100 (0.1%) jobs in October, but now shows a 300 position decline (less than -0.05%) since October 2011. Source: CTDOL |
• 7 Early Warning Signs of Substance Abuse on the Job
|
Do your supervisors understand the early warning signs of a substance abuse problem? They should. If they don't, it's time for a training session. Surveys show substance abuse remains one of the most serious issues facing U.S. businesses, with more than 6 million active alcoholics employed and a price tag of $276 billion a year. More than 70 percent of all current illicit drug users aged 18 and older are employed. With such a dangerous and widespread problem, it's important to recognize substance abuse on the job before it leads to an accident. Read the full report: Business & Legal Resources |
19 November 2012
• U.S. Existing Home Sales – October 2012
| “Sales of existing homes increased in October, even with some regional impact from Hurricane Sandy, while home prices continued to rise due to lower levels of inventory supply, according to the National Association of Realtors®.”
Source: Realtor.org |
• “FMLA Video: How To Compensate Exempt Employee On Intermittent Or Reduced Schedule Leave”
|
“What rights and options do employers have for compensating exempt employees who are on intermittent or reduced schedule leave?
"Are you allowed to make salary deductions? "Can you convert an exempt employee to hourly during FMLA leave?” Source: Business & Legal Resources |
• “Tax-Free Educational Assistance at Risk”
| “Among the many tax-related issues that Congress must resolve by Dec. 31, 2012, is the fate of Section 127 of the Internal Revenue Code, which allows employers to provide tax-free reimbursement up to $5,250 for higher education.”
Source: SHRM.org |
17 November 2012
• Connecticut: Lions and Tigers and Bears….
 Source: Courant.com |
16 November 2012
• Winsted Employer to Close…Layoff 117
| The Connecticut Department of Labor says that Laurel Hill Healthcare of Winsted will layoff 117 employees beginning 1/14/13; the facility will close some time after that.
According to the employer’s website, “In the Spectrum tradition of building a community within a community, Laurel Hill Healthcare brings quality health care with the feeling of home to Connecticuts [sic] northwest hills. Located adjacent to Highland Lake we offer a complete continuum of care to meet your individual care needs.” At least some of the workers being laid off are represented by New England Health Care Employees Union, District 1199, SEIU. Source: CTDOL |
• “Video: Healthcare Reform Changes for Employers in 2014”
| “2014 will bring the second wave of healthcare reform changes under the Affordable Care Act (ACA) --and the impact on employers will be significant.
"In this video, Ashley Gillihan of Alston & Bird LL, provides details about the provisions of healthcare reform that will take effect in 2014, including the individual mandate, employer 'pay or play' mandate, healthcare insurance exchanges, and potential penalties for employers.” Source: Business & Legal Resources |
15 November 2012
• Fiscal Cliff Will Affect Us in Connecticut
| “Middle income families would have to pay an average of about $2,000 more next year, the nonpartisan Tax Policy Center has calculated.
”Up to 3.4 million jobs would be lost, the Congressional Budget Office estimates. The unemployment rate would reach 9.1 percent from the current 7.9 percent. Stocks could plunge. The nonpartisan CBO estimates the total cost of the cliff in 2013 at $671 billion.  ”Under the fiscal cliff, households in the lowest 20 percent of earners would pay an average of $412 more, the Tax Policy Center calculates. The top 20 percent would pay an average $14,000 more, the top 1 percent $121,000 more. ”All this would lead many consumers to spend less. Anticipating reduced sales and profits, businesses would likely cut jobs. Others would delay hiring.” Source: Waterbury Republican-American And, hey! We voted to return to office all the clowns who created this impending disaster. Nice going! |
• Connecticut Faces Deficit of $1.1 Billion in Next Fiscal Year
| “State analysts are projecting a $1.1 billion state budget deficit in the fiscal year beginning July 1, a gap roughly one-third the size of the record-setting shortfall that Connecticut's governor and legislature tried to close just two years ago, sources said early Thursday.”
Source: CTMirror.org |
• U.S. Worker Purchasing Power Down 0.7% in 12 Months Ended – Octoberr 2012
| Real average hourly earnings for all employees fell 0.2 percent from September to October, seasonally. Average hourly earnings were about
unchanged, while the Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers (CPI-U) rose 0.1 percent.
Month: Real average weekly earnings fell 0.2 percent over the month due to the decrease in real average hourly earnings combined with an unchanged average workweek. Since reaching a peak in October 2010, real average weekly earnings has fallen 1.8 percent. 12 Months: Real average hourly earnings fell 0.7 percent, seasonally adjusted, from October 2011 to October 2012. The decrease in real average hourly earnings, combined with an unchanged average workweek, resulted in a 0.6 percent decrease in real average weekly earnings over this period. Source: USDOL-BLS |
• U.S. Initial Unemployment Claims Jump 78k
| In the week ending November 10, the advance figure for seasonally adjusted initial claims was 439,000, an increase of 78,000 from the previous week's revised figure of 361,000 but up 12% from the same week a year ago. The 4-week moving average was 383,750, an increase of 11,750 from the previous week's revised average of 372,000. The advance seasonally adjusted insured unemployment rate was 2.6 percent for the week ending November 3, an increase of 0.1 percentage point from the prior week's revised rate. The highest insured unemployment rates in the week ending October 27 were in Alaska (4.5), Puerto Rico (3.9), California (3.0), Oregon (3.0), Pennsylvania (3.0), Virgin Islands (2.9), Arkansas (2.7), Nevada (2.7), New Jersey (2.7), Illinois (2.6), New York (2.6), and North Carolina (2.6). The largest increases in initial claims for the week ending November 3 were in Pennsylvania (+7,766), Ohio (+6,450), New Jersey (+5,675), Michigan (+2,373), and Connecticut (+1,783), while the largest decreases were in California (-8,149), New York (-2,241), Florida (-939), Georgia (-913), and Indiana (-603 Note: “Insured unemployment rate” refers to individuals who are unemployed and receiving UC benefits. Source: USDOL-BLS |
• U.S. Consumer Price Index Up 2.2% for 12 Months Ended – October 2012
| The Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers (CPI-U) increased 2.2
percent over the last 12 months to an index level of 231.317 (1982-
84=100). For the month, the index was unchanged prior to seasonal
adjustment.
The Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers (CPI-W) increased 2.2 percent over the last 12 months to an index level of 227.974 (1982-84=100). For the month, the index decreased 0.1 percent prior to seasonal adjustment. The Chained Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers (C-CPI-U) increased 1.9 percent over the last 12 months to an index level of 132.434. For the month, the index was unchanged on a not seasonally adjusted basis. Please note that the indexes for the post-2010 period are subject to revision. The Consumer Price Index for November 2012 is scheduled to be released on Friday, December 14, 2012, at 8:30 a.m. (EST). Source: USDOL-BLS http://www.bls.gov |
• Workplace Violence January 24, 2013, from 10:00 a.m. to Noon
| “A very real day-to-day trend of workplace threats, aggression, and assaults has grown to epidemic proportions. Contrary to common misconceptions, fatalities are not involved in most cases. But even incidents without assaults or physical injuries can devastate the sense of personal security people once felt at their place of employment.
”This workshop is designed to make you more aware of the issues related to workplace violence and to provide tools to help manage, defuse, and prevent it. "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 |
14 November 2012
• Despite October Drop, U.S. Producer Prices Up 2.3% for Year-Ended – October 2012
| The Producer Price Index for finished goods declined 0.2 percent in October, seasonally
adjusted.
Prices for finished goods increased 1.1 percent in September and 1.7 percent in August. At the earlier stages of processing, prices received by manufacturers of intermediate goods edged down 0.1 percent in October, and the crude goods index moved up 0.9 percent. On an unadjusted basis, the finished goods index advanced 2.3 percent for the 12 months ended October 2012, the largest rise since a 2.8-percent increase for the 12 months ended March 2012. Source: USDOL-BLS |
• Connecticut’s Budget Deficit Is Expanding
| “Revenues plunge, deficit widens, forcing Malloy to close gap.
”A dramatic plunge Friday in the state's anticipated revenue this year will force Governor...Malloy to craft an emergency plan to cover a deficit potentially approaching $300 million. "It is a financial chasm that threatens his pledge to avoid a tax increase in the next state budget.” Source: CTMirror.org |
13 November 2012
• U.S. Treasury Budget Report - October 2012
One month into the new fiscal year and already $120 billion in the hole.
 Click on table to enlarge Hey, but that's all right because we just re-elected the same crew to fix it for us. Are you familiar with that definition of insanity? "...doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results." |
• Connecticut Workers’ Compensation Review Board Lists New CRB Opinions
| Read the following Compensation Review Board Opinions, newly posted to our website:
• Cordero v. State Auto Sales, Inc., (Case No. 5699 CRB-6-11-11) - November 5, 2012 • Pupuri v. Benny's Home Service, LLC, (Case No. 5697 CRB-2-11-11) - November 5, 2012. Source: Connecticut Workers’ Compensation Commission |
12 November 2012
• U.S. Wholesale Sales and Inventories – September 2012
| Sales: September 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 $414.0 billion, up 2.0 percent (+/-0.7) from
the revised August level and were up 4.4 percent (+/-0.9%) from the September 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 $494.2 billion at the end of September, up 1.1 percent (+/-0.4%) from the revised August level and were up 7.5 percent (+/- 1.2%) from the September 2011 level. Inventories/Sales Ratio: The September inventories/sales ratio for merchant wholesalers, except manufacturers’ sales branches and offices, based on seasonally adjusted data, was 1.19. The September 2011 ratio was 1.16. Source: USDOC-Census |
• “EEOC Issues Domestic Violence Guidance, Reminds Employers to Consider Title VII and ADA”
| “In a series of Questions and Answers entitled, “Application of Title VII and the ADA to Applicants or Employees Who Experience Domestic or Dating Violence, Sexual Assault, or Stalking,” the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission has reiterated its commitment to ensuring justice for vulnerable individuals. "While the EEOC’s October 12, 2012, guidance does not change fair employment practice law, it reminds employers to review their workplace anti-discrimination and anti-harassment policies and training for compliance with recent developments in equal employment opportunity law.” Source: JacksonLewis.com |
09 November 2012
• U.S. Consumer Sentiment – November 2012
| “Confidence among U.S. consumers climbed to a five-year high in November, improving the prospects of bigger spending gains that will help spur the expansion.
"The Thomson Reuters/University of Michigan preliminary consumer sentiment index rose to 84.9, the fourth straight increase and the highest since July 2007, from 82.6 in October. Economists projected an initial reading of 82.9 for November, according to the median estimate of 71 economists surveyed....” Source: BusinessWeek.com |
• “NLRB General Counsel Advises on Lawful ‘At-Will’ Employment Policies, Acknowledgments”
“The National Labor Relations Board, its General Counsel, and Regional Offices in recent years have focused enforcement efforts on employer policies that, in their opinion, restrict employee rights unlawfully under the National Labor Relations Act.
 ”That may be changing. On October 31, the General Counsel’s Office Division of Advice, analyzing 'at-will' clauses in two employee handbooks, issued two 'memoranda' opinions (“Advice Opinions”) concluding that the clauses were lawful.” Read the analysis: JacksonLewis.com |
08 November 2012
• U.S. and Connecticut Mass Layoffs – Q3 2012
| • Connecticut
Connecticut employers took 12 mass layoff actions in the 3rd quarter of 2012 involving 1,295 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 Q3 increased by 6 from Q3 2011, and the number of associated initial claims increased by 670. • Nationwide Nationally, employers took 885 mass layoff actions involving 124,963 workers, nsa. U.S. mass layoff events in Q3 decreased by 508 from the same quarter a year ago, and the number of associated initial claims decreased by 166,103. Source: USDOL-BLS |
• U.S. Trade Deficit Decreased – September 2012
| Total September exports of $187.0 billion and imports of $228.5
billion resulted in a goods and services deficit of $41.5 billion, down from $43.8 billion in
August, revised. September exports were $5.6 billion more than August exports of $181.4 billion.
September imports were $3.4 billion more than August imports of $225.2 billion.
In September, the goods deficit decreased $1.4 billion from August to $57.5 billion, and the services surplus increased $0.8 billion from August to $15.9 billion. Exports of goods increased $5.4 billion to $134.0 billion, and imports of goods increased $3.9 billion to $191.5 billion. Exports of services increased $0.3 billion to $53.0 billion, and imports of services decreased $0.6 billion to $37.1 billion. The goods and services deficit decreased $2.9 billion from September 2011 to September 2012. Exports were up $6.4 billion, or 3.5 percent, and imports were up $3.4 billion, or 1.5 percent. Source: USDOC-BEA |
• U.S. Initial Unemployment Claims Down 8k
|
In the week ending November 3, the advance figure for seasonally adjusted initial claims was 355,000, a decrease of 8,000 from the previous week's unrevised figure of 363,000 and down 8.5% from the same week a year ago. The 4-week moving average was 370,500, an increase of 3,250 from the previous week's unrevised average of 367,250.
The advance seasonally adjusted insured unemployment rate was 2.4 percent for the week ending October 27, a decrease of 0.1 percentage point from the prior week's unrevised rate. The highest insured unemployment rates in the week ending October 20 were in Alaska (4.5), Puerto Rico (4.0), Virgin Islands (3.7), California (3.2), Pennsylvania (3.2), New Jersey (3.1), Connecticut (3.0), Oregon (2.9), Arkansas (2.7), and Nevada (2.7). The largest increases in initial claims for the week ending October 27 were in Oregon (+2,379), Indiana (+1,663), California (+1,139), Minnesota (+592), and Wisconsin (+589), while the largest decreases were in North Carolina (-3,782), Tennessee (-1,756), Maryland (-1,361), Florida (-1,141), and New Jersey (-1,080). Note: “Insured unemployment rate” refers to individuals who are unemployed and receiving UC benefits. Source: USDOL-BLS |
• U.S. Consumer Credit Expanded – September 2012
|
• Q3: Consumer credit increased at a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 4 percent in the third quarter. Revolving credit decreased at an annual rate of 1-1/2 percent, while nonrevolving credit increased 6-1/2 percent.
• Month: In September, consumer credit increased at an annual rate of 5 percent. Source: Federal Reserve *Note: Nonrevolving credit can be used only once, such as with a car loan or student loan. Revolving credit can be used multiple times, such as with a credit card. |
• U.S. Average Wages - October 2012
| In October, average hourly earnings for all employees on private nonfarm payrolls edged
down by 1 cent to $23.58.
Over the past 12 months, average hourly earnings have risen by 1.6 percent. Average hourly earnings of private-sector production and nonsupervisory employees edged down by 1 cent to $19.79. Source: USDOL-BLS |
07 November 2012
• U.S. Labor Turnover – September 2012
| September Total Turnover: U.S. employers experienced the loss of 4.279 million workers during September; this included 2.150 million quits, 1.789 million layoffs and discharges, and 0.340 million “other” separations.
September’s turnover was lower than that of the prior month’s 5.142 million, and that of the same month a year ago, 4.395 million. This yielded a monthly turnover level of 3.2% [the number of total separations during the entire month as a percent of total employment]…or 38.4% annualized.
September Quits: The monthly quit rate in September was 1.6%. This is down from 2.1% in the prior month, and up from 1.7% in September 2011. For the Past 12 Months: Total turnover is 37.2%, down from 37.3% in the prior month and up from 36.2% a year ago. The quit rate on annual basis for the last year is 18.7%, down from 18.8% last month and up from 17.6% a year ago. Quits: …which composed only 44.5% of total turnover two years ago…now account for 50.3% of total separations. SOURCE: USDOL-BLS |
• U.S. Job Openings and Hires – September 2012
| Job Openings: There were 3.602 million jobs open in the U.S. on the last business day of September 2012 [nsa]. This is up 1.6% from 3.546 million openings in the same month a year ago but down from 3,753 million in the prior month.
Hires: U.S. employers hired 4.357 million workers in September, down 3.3% from 4.507 million the same month last year and down from 4.962 million in the prior month. Source: USDOL-BLS |
• Bloomfield Insurer to Lay Off 200 in Connecticut
| “Cigna Corp. is planning to cut its workforce by 4 percent — including 200 layoffs in Connecticut — between now and June 2013….”
Source: Courant.com According to the company’s website, “Cigna is a global health service company, dedicated to helping the people we serve improve their health, well-being and sense of security.” |
• Space Still Available for Labor Department’s Unemployment Insurance 101 Seminar on Nov. 14
| Limited space is still available for a Nov. 14
Unemployment Insurance 101 seminar being sponsored by the Connecticut
Department of Labor’s Office of Program Policy. Taking place at the agency’s
Central Office, located at 200 Folly Brook Boulevard, the session is part of the
agency’s fall Employer Education Series. It begins with an 8 a.m. continental
breakfast, and will run from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m.
The following topics will be discussed: • Tips for employers • The laws of quits and fires • Experience rating • First level adjudications appeals The registration fee is $25. All registration applications and checks should be sent to Susan DeVito, Office of Program Policy, Connecticut Department of Labor, 200 Folly Brook Boulevard, Wethersfield, CT 06109. Registration forms can be obtained on the agency’s Web site at www.ct.gov/dol. A picture ID will also be required for security purpose the day of the event.” Source: CTDOL |
• What Obama’s Re-Election Means for HR and Employment Issues
| “Patricia Trainor, JD, SPHR, BLR’s Senior Managing Editor, Human Resources, describes how Obama’s re-election may impact HR and employment issues.”
Source: Business & Legal Resources |
• U.S. Hours of Work - October 2012
| In October, the average workweek for all employees on private nonfarm payrolls was
34.4 hours for the fourth consecutive month.
The manufacturing workweek edged down by 0.1 hour to 40.5 hours, and factory overtime was unchanged at 3.2 hours. The average workweek for production and nonsupervisory employees on private nonfarm payrolls edged down by 0.1 hour to 33.6 hours. Source: USDOL-BLS |
06 November 2012
• Manchester, Connecticut Employer to Close, Layoff Workers
| According to the Connecticut Department of Labor, TurboCare Inc. of Manchester, CT will layoff 88 employees on 12/31/2012. The facility is closing down on that date.
Their website says, “TurboCare offers complete upgrades, service, repair, and parts for turbomachinery (gas turbines, steam turbines, generators & compressors) from every OEM.” Source: CTDOL |
• U.S. Employment by Industry – October 2012
| Total nonfarm payroll employment increased by 171,000 in October. Employment growth
has averaged 157,000 per month thus far in 2012, about the same as the average monthly
gain of 153,000 in 2011.
Professional and business services added 51,000 jobs in October, with gains in services to buildings and dwellings (+13,000) and in computer systems design (+7,000). Temporary help employment changed little in October and has shown little net change over the past 3 months. Employment in professional and business services has grown by 1.6 million since its most recent low point in September 2009. Health care added 31,000 jobs in October. Job gains continued in ambulatory health care services (+25,000) and hospitals (+6,000). Over the past year, employment in health care has risen by 296,000. Retail trade added 36,000 jobs in October, with gains in motor vehicles and parts dealers (+7,000), and in furniture and home furnishings stores (+4,000). Retail trade has added 82,000 jobs over the past 3 months, with most of the gain occurring in motor vehicles and parts dealers, clothing and accessories stores, and miscellaneous store retailers. Employment in leisure and hospitality continued to trend up (+28,000) over the month. This industry has added 811,000 jobs since a recent low point in January 2010, with most of the gain occurring in food services. Employment in construction edged up in October. The gain was concentrated in specialty trade contractors (+17,000). Manufacturing employment changed little in October. On net, manufacturing employment has shown little change since April. Mining lost 9,000 jobs in October, with most of the decline occurring in support activities for mining. Since May of this year, employment in mining has decreased by 17,000. Employment in other major industries, including wholesale trade, transportation and warehousing, information, financial activities, and government, showed little change over the month. Source: USDOL-BLS http://www.bls.gov |
05 November 2012
• Trumbull, Shelton, East Hartford Facilities to Layoff
| The Connecticut Department of Labor says that Océ North America, Inc., with operations in Trumbull, Shelton, and East Hartford, Connecticut will lay off 135 workers between 12/31/12 and 12/31/13.
According to their website, “Océ is a global leader in digital document management and delivery technology offering software solutions, digital printers….” Source: CTDOL |
• U.S. Long-Term Unemployment, Part-Timers, and Marginally Attached Workers - October 2012
| In October, the number of long-term unemployed (those jobless for 27 weeks or more)
was little changed at 5.0 million. These individuals accounted for 40.6 percent of
the unemployed.
The number of persons employed part time for economic reasons (sometimes referred to as involuntary part-time workers) fell by 269,000 to 8.3 million in October. These individuals were working part time because their hours had been cut back or because they were unable to find a full-time job. 2.4 million persons were marginally attached to the labor force, little different from a year earlier. 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 813,000 discouraged workers in October, a decline of 154,000 from a year earlier. Discouraged workers are persons not currently looking for work because they believe no jobs are available for them. The remaining 1.6 million persons marginally attached to the labor force in October had not searched for work in the 4 weeks preceding the survey for reasons such as school attendance or family responsibilities. Source: USDOL-BLS |
04 November 2012
• U.S. Auto Sales – October 2012
| “All automakers missed analysts’ average estimates for U.S. sales in Bloomberg’s monthly survey after the superstorm slammed the East Coast during the industry’s busiest time of the month.
”The three top-selling automakers in the country said they expect a boost in November from owners swapping damaged vehicles and from would-be buyers who couldn’t make it to flooded showrooms.” Source: WashPost.Bloomberg.com |
• Flu: Who’s At Risk?
| “Are you or a member of your family at increased risk of getting the flu or experiencing flu-related complications?”
Source: Flu.gov |
03 November 2012
• “HR and the Presidential Election”
|
“BLR's Patricia Trainor discusses election's impact on employment law on radio show….
”Patricia Trainor, J.D.,SPHR--BLR’s Senior Managing Editor, Human Resources--was the featured guest this week on 'The Proactive Employer' a weekly radio show hosted by Stephanie Thomas, to talk about how the results of the presidential election could impact employment law and human resources.” Source: Business & Legal Resources |
02 November 2012
• U.S. New Orders for Manufactured Goods Up 4.8% - September 2012
| New orders for manufactured goods in September, up
two of the last three months, increased $22.0 billion or
4.8 percent to $475.4 billion. This followed a 5.1 percent August
decrease. Excluding transportation, new orders
increased 1.4 percent.
Shipments, up two of the last three months, increased $4.1 billion or 0.9 percent to $481.3 billion. This followed a 0.2 percent August decrease. Unfilled orders, up three of the last four months, increased $1.7 billion or 0.2 percent to $981.0 billion. This followed a 1.7 percent August decrease. The unfilled orders-to-shipments ratio was 6.24, down from 6.28 in August. Inventories, up three consecutive months, increased $3.7 billion or 0.6 percent to $615.7 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 August increase. The inventories-to-shipments ratio was 1.28, unchanged from August.” Source: USDOC-Census |
• U.S. Employment Situation Little Changed in October
|
Total nonfarm payroll employment increased by 171,000 in October, and the unemployment
rate was essentially unchanged at 7.9 percent.
Details coming in later posts Source: USDOL-BLS |
• U.S. Unemployment by Major Worker Group
|
“Both the unemployment rate (7.9 percent) and the number of unemployed persons (12.3
million) were essentially unchanged in October, following declines in September.
"Among the major worker groups, the unemployment rate for blacks increased to 14.3 percent in October, while the rates for adult men (7.3 percent), adult women (7.2 percent), teenagers (23.7 percent), whites (7.0 percent), and Hispanics (10.0 percent) showed little or no change. The jobless rate for Asians was 4.9 percent in October (nsa), down from 7.3 percent a year earlier." Source: USDOL-BLS http://www.bls.gov |
• U.S. Productivity and Costs – Q3 2012
| Nonfarm business sector labor productivity increased at a 1.9 percent annual
rate during the third quarter of 2012. The increase in productivity reflects increases of 3.2 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 1.5 percent as
output and hours worked rose 3.3 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. Unit labor costs in nonfarm businesses decreased 0.1 percent in the third quarter of 2012, while hourly compensation increased 1.8 percent. Unit labor costs rose 1.1 percent over the last four quarters. BLS defines unit labor costs as the ratio of hourly compensation to labor productivity; increases in hourly compensation tend to increase unit labor costs and increases in output per hour tend to reduce them. Manufacturing sector productivity declined 0.4 percent in the third quarter of 2012, as output and hours worked decreased 0.6 percent and 0.2 percent, respectively. Productivity fell 0.7 percent in the durable goods sector and 0.1 percent in the nondurable goods sector. Over the last four quarters, manufacturing productivity increased 1.5 percent, as output increased 4.1 percent and hours worked rose 2.6 percent. Unit labor costs in manufacturing rose 1.5 percent in the third quarter of 2012 and decreased 0.8 percent from the same quarter a year ago. Source: USDOL-BLS |
01 November 2012
• Employer Pay Obligations in Face of Disasters
| ”When unexpected natural disasters, such as Hurricane Sandy, impact an employer’s ability to operate business as usual, employers are faced with last-minute decisions to close all or part of their operations or otherwise modify work schedules.
”An initial consideration for all employers is whether the employer has an obligation to pay its employees if they are unable to work due to the event.” Source: JacksonLewis.com ***NOTE: Connecticut law regulates many of these aspects of employment. For information on laws apply in your state, see: Business & Legal Resources |
• U.S. Purchasing Managers Say Economy Continued to Improve – October 2012
|
“Manufacturing expanded in October as the PMI™ registered 51.7 percent, an increase of 0.2 percentage point when compared to September's reading of 51.5 percent. A reading above 50 percent indicates that the manufacturing economy is generally expanding; below 50 percent indicates that it is generally contracting.
”A PMI™ in excess of 42.6 percent, over a period of time, generally indicates an expansion of the overall economy. Therefore, the October PMI™ indicates growth for the 41st consecutive month in the overall economy, and indicates growth in the manufacturing sector for the second consecutive month following three consecutive months of slight contraction.” Source: Institute for Supply Management |
• Connecticut UC Tax Filing Deadline Extended
| In response to Hurricane Sandy, Governor Malloy has issued Executive Order #23
which extends the October 31, 2012 deadline for employers to file unemployment tax
filings and payments for their third quarter 2012 tax return.
The Executive Order extends that deadline to November 15, 2012. Source: Governor’s Executive Order #23 |
• U.S. Initial Unemployment Claims Down 9k
| In the week ending October 27, the advance figure for seasonally adjusted initial claims was 363,000, a decrease of 9,000 from the previous week's revised figure of 372,000 and down 8.8% from the same week a year ago. The 4-week moving average was 367,250, a decrease of 1,500 from the previous week's revised average of 368,750. The advance seasonally adjusted insured unemployment rate was 2.5 percent for the week ending October 20, unchanged from the prior week's unrevised rate. The highest insured unemployment rates in the week ending October 13 were in Alaska (4.0), Puerto Rico (3.7), Virgin Islands (3.4), New Jersey (3.2), California (3.1), Pennsylvania (3.1), Connecticut (3.0), Oregon (2.8), Nevada (2.7), Arkansas (2.6), Illinois (2.6), New York (2.6), and North Carolina (2.6). The largest increases in initial claims for the week ending October 20 were in North Carolina (+2,400), Pennsylvania (+1,679), New Jersey (+1,575), Georgia (+1,477), and Tennessee (+888), while the largest decreases were in California (-16,586), Florida (-2,414), Texas (-1,572), Michigan (-1,308), and Ohio (-1,214). Note: “Insured unemployment rate” refers to individuals who are unemployed and receiving UC benefits. Source: USDOL-BLS |
• FLSA: What Is...and Isn't Required
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“Possibly the most basic of all payroll and employment laws is the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 (FLSA), which governs minimum wage, overtime pay, recordkeeping by employers, child labor restrictions, and equal pay for equal work. ”It is also equally important for employers to be aware of what the FLSA does not require. ”The law does not require employers to: ”provide paid vacations, sick days, jury duty leave, holidays, lunch breaks, or coffee breaks; ”regulate how often employees must be paid, or when they must be paid after termination of employment; or ”restrict the hours that employees over 16 years of age may be required to work."*** Source: IRS ***NOTE: However, Connecticut law does regulate many of these aspects of employment. For information on laws apply in your state, see: Business & Legal Resources |
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