| In the week ending December 27, the advance figure for seasonally adjusted initial claims was 298,000, an increase of
17,000 from the previous week's revised level. The previous week's level was revised up by 1,000 from 280,000 to
281,000. The 4-week moving average was 290,750, an increase of 250 from the previous week's revised average. The previous week's average was revised up by 250 from 290,250 to 290,500. The advance seasonally adjusted insured unemployment rate was 1.8 percent for the week ending December 20, unchanged from the previous week's unrevised rate. The advance number for seasonally adjusted insured unemployment during the week ending December 20 was 2,353,000, a decrease of 53,000 from the previous week's revised level. The highest insured unemployment rates in the week ending December 13 were in Alaska (4.9), New Jersey (3.1), Puerto Rico (3.1), Pennsylvania (2.9), California (2.8), Connecticut (2.7), Montana (2.7), the Virgin Islands (2.7), Nevada (2.6), and Illinois (2.5). The largest increases in initial claims for the week ending December 20 were in Kentucky (+4,151), Ohio (+3,991), Michigan (+2,093), Missouri (+1,739), and Iowa (+1,569), while the largest decreases were in California (-16,139), South Carolina (-1,110), Florida (-985), West Virginia (-604), and Maine (-296). Note: “Insured unemployment rate” refers to individuals who are unemployed and receiving UC benefits. See the complete report at this link: USDOL-BLS NOTE: This report is provided with the understanding that the publisher is not engaged in providing legal, financial, accounting or other professional advice. If professional assistance is required, the services of a competent professional should be sought. Furthermore, while we do our best to ensure that these data are accurate, we suggest that any entity making decisions based on these numbers should verify the data at their source prior to making such decisions. |
31 December 2014
• U.S. Initial Unemployment Claims — 27 December 2014
• How Absenteeism Affects the Bottom Line—
|
”The survey found that the direct cost of paid time off for full-time employees in 2013—accounting for wages, overtime and replacement workers—was equivalent to 15.4% of payroll. ”When indirect costs such as lost productivity were added, the total cost of paid time off was between 20.9% and 22.1% of payroll, with unplanned absences having the highest overall cost….” Please visit this link to read the full report: LinkToArticle NOTE: This report is provided with the understanding that the publisher is not engaged in providing legal, financial, accounting or other professional advice. If professional assistance is required, the services of a competent professional should be sought. Furthermore, while we do our best to ensure that these data are accurate, we suggest that any entity making decisions based on these numbers should verify the data at their source prior to making such decisions. © 2014 Connecticut Human Resource Reports, LLC URL: http://connecticuthumanresources.blogspot.com/ |
30 December 2014
• Metropolitan Area Employment and Unemployment — November 2014
|
Unemployment: Unemployment rates were lower in November than a year earlier in 341 of the 372 metropolitan areas, higher in 27 areas, and unchanged in 4 areas. Twelve areas had jobless rates of at least 10.0 percent and 147 areas had rates of less than 5.0 percent. Employment: Nonfarm payroll employment increased over the year in 313 metropolitan areas, decreased in 55 areas, and was unchanged in 4 areas. The national unemployment rate in November was 5.5 percent, not seasonally adjusted, down from 6.6 percent a year earlier. Please visit this link to read the full report: USDOL-BLS NOTE: This report is provided with the understanding that the publisher is not engaged in providing legal, financial, accounting or other professional advice. If professional assistance is required, the services of a competent professional should be sought. Furthermore, while we do our best to ensure that these data are accurate, we suggest that any entity making decisions based on these numbers should verify the data at their source prior to making such decisions. © 2014 Connecticut Human Resource Reports, LLC URL: http://connecticuthumanresources.blogspot.com/ |
• Are You Really Sure You Want To Go To Court With This?
|
”In the initial discussions after a company is sued by an employee, its representatives usually ask employment counsel, ‘How much is this case going to cost to defend?’ The answer often is ‘a lot of money.’ ”If you've never been sued before, you probably don't fully grasp that ‘a lot of money’ really means ‘a lot of money,’ even if your attorneys have warned you about your exposure risks and the hidden costs of a lawsuit.” Please visit this link to read the full report: LinkToArticle NOTE: This report is provided with the understanding that the publisher is not engaged in providing legal, financial, accounting or other professional advice. If professional assistance is required, the services of a competent professional should be sought. Furthermore, while we do our best to ensure that these data are accurate, we suggest that any entity making decisions based on these numbers should verify the data at their source prior to making such decisions. © 2014 Connecticut Human Resource Reports, LLC URL: http://connecticuthumanresources.blogspot.com/ |
29 December 2014
• U.S. Annual Survey of Public Employment and Payroll — 2013
|
Provides a comprehensive look at the employment of the nation’s state and local governments, as well as the federal government. It shows the number of government civilian employees and their gross payroll by governmental function. These governmental functions include, for example, elementary and secondary education, and police protection. Please visit this link to read the full report: LinkToArticle NOTE: This report is provided with the understanding that the publisher is not engaged in providing legal, financial, accounting or other professional advice. If professional assistance is required, the services of a competent professional should be sought. Furthermore, while we do our best to ensure that these data are accurate, we suggest that any entity making decisions based on these numbers should verify the data at their source prior to making such decisions. © 2014 Connecticut Human Resource Reports, LLC URL: http://connecticuthumanresources.blogspot.com/ |
26 December 2014
• How Do Safety Programs Contribute To the Bottom Line?
|
OSHA says, ”…employers can expect to see a return of 6 dollars for every dollar they invest in safety and health programs. That’s a substantial return on investment. ”The financial imperative to protect workers is especially strong for smaller employers because the costs associated with one fatality or serious incident can mean the end of a business….” Please visit this link to read the full report: LinkToArticle NOTE: This report is provided with the understanding that the publisher is not engaged in providing legal, financial, accounting or other professional advice. If professional assistance is required, the services of a competent professional should be sought. Furthermore, while we do our best to ensure that these data are accurate, we suggest that any entity making decisions based on these numbers should verify the data at their source prior to making such decisions. © 2014 Connecticut Human Resource Reports, LLC URL: http://connecticuthumanresources.blogspot.com/ |
• U.S. 12-Month Employment Growth vs. Connecticut — November 2014
 Please visit this link to read the full report: LinkToArticle NOTE: This report is provided with the understanding that the publisher is not engaged in providing legal, financial, accounting or other professional advice. If professional assistance is required, the services of a competent professional should be sought. Furthermore, while we do our best to ensure that these data are accurate, we suggest that any entity making decisions based on these numbers should verify the data at their source prior to making such decisions. © 2014 Connecticut Human Resource Reports, LLC URL: http://connecticuthumanresources.blogspot.com/ |
25 December 2014
• Merry Christmas — Happy Holidays!
The Lord bless you, and keep you; The Lord make His face shine on you, And be gracious to you; The Lord lift up His countenance upon you, And give you peace. |
24 December 2014
• U.S. Initial Unemployment Claims — 20 December 2014
| In the week ending December 20, the advance figure for seasonally adjusted initial claims was 280,000, a decrease of
9,000 from the previous week's unrevised level of 289,000. The 4-week moving average was 290,250, a decrease of 8,500 from the previous week's unrevised average of 298,750.  The highest insured unemployment rates in the week ending December 6 were in Alaska (4.2), Puerto Rico (3.1), New Jersey (3.0), Montana (2.7), Pennsylvania (2.7), Connecticut (2.6), Nevada (2.6), California (2.5), Massachusetts (2.4), and West Virginia (2.4). The largest increases in initial claims for the week ending December 13 were in California (+11,794), Massachusetts (+443), Utah (+277), Rhode Island (+35), and Maine (+25), while the largest decreases were in Pennsylvania (-10,937), New York (-9,787), Wisconsin (-6,465), Georgia (-5,520), and Texas (-3,982). Note: “Insured unemployment rate” refers to individuals who are unemployed and receiving UC benefits. See the complete report at this link: USDOL-BLS NOTE: This report is provided with the understanding that the publisher is not engaged in providing legal, financial, accounting or other professional advice. If professional assistance is required, the services of a competent professional should be sought. Furthermore, while we do our best to ensure that these data are accurate, we suggest that any entity making decisions based on these numbers should verify the data at their source prior to making such decisions. |
23 December 2014
• U.S. Personal Income & Expenditures — November 2014
|
Personal income increased $54.4 billion, or 0.4 percent, and disposable personal income (DPI) increased $42.4 billion, or 0.3 percent, in November. Personal consumption expenditures (PCE) increased $67.9 billion, or 0.6 percent. In October, personal income increased $49.8 billion, or 0.3 percent, DPI increased $39.7 billion, or 0.3 percent, and PCE increased $31.3 billion, or 0.3 percent, based on revised estimates.  Private wages and salaries increased $38.7 billion in November, compared with an increase of $24.9 billion in October.
Please visit this link to read the full report: USDOC-BEA NOTE: This report is provided with the understanding that the publisher is not engaged in providing legal, financial, accounting or other professional advice. If professional assistance is required, the services of a competent professional should be sought. Furthermore, while we do our best to ensure that these data are accurate, we suggest that any entity making decisions based on these numbers should verify the data at their source prior to making such decisions. © 2014 Connecticut Human Resource Reports, LLC URL: http://connecticuthumanresources.blogspot.com/ |
• U.S. Gross Domestic Product 3rd Estimate — Q3 2014
|
Real gross domestic product -- the value of the production of goods and services in the United States, adjusted for price changes -- increased at an annual rate of 5.0 percent in the third quarter of 2014, according to the "third" estimate released by the Bureau of Economic Analysis. In the second quarter, real GDP increased 4.6 percent. The GDP estimate released today is based on more complete source data than were available for the "second" estimate issued last month. In the second estimate, the increase in real GDP was 3.9 percent. With the third estimate for the third quarter, both personal consumption expenditures (PCE) and nonresidential fixed investment increased more than previously estimated…. The increase in real GDP in the third quarter primarily reflected positive contributions from PCE, nonresidential fixed investment, federal government spending, exports, state and local government spending, and residential fixed investment. Imports, which are a subtraction in the calculation of GDP, decreased. The acceleration in the percent change in real GDP reflected a downturn in imports, an upturn in federal government spending, and an acceleration in PCE that were partly offset by a downturn in private inventory investment and decelerations in exports, in state and local government spending, in residential fixed investment, and in nonresidential fixed investment. Please visit this link to read the full report: LinkToArticle NOTE: This report is provided with the understanding that the publisher is not engaged in providing legal, financial, accounting or other professional advice. If professional assistance is required, the services of a competent professional should be sought. Furthermore, while we do our best to ensure that these data are accurate, we suggest that any entity making decisions based on these numbers should verify the data at their source prior to making such decisions. © 2014 Connecticut Human Resource Reports, LLC URL: http://connecticuthumanresources.blogspot.com/ |
• U.S. State and Local Government Spending Grows Faster Than Revenue
|
”Between 2007 and 2012, total expenditures for state and local governments increased by 18.2 percent, from $2.7 trillion to $3.2 trillion, while total revenue declined 1.1 percent over the same five-year period, from $3.1 trillion to $3.0 trillion…. ”Two major contributors to the decline in total revenues were employee retirement revenue, which includes earnings on investments and contributions, (dropping 67.7 percent, from $533.3 billion to $172.0 billion) and interest earnings (falling 44.6 percent, from $91.9 billion to $50.9 billion)….” Please visit this link to read the full report: USDOC-Census NOTE: This report is provided with the understanding that the publisher is not engaged in providing legal, financial, accounting or other professional advice. If professional assistance is required, the services of a competent professional should be sought. Furthermore, while we do our best to ensure that these data are accurate, we suggest that any entity making decisions based on these numbers should verify the data at their source prior to making such decisions. © 2014 Connecticut Human Resource Reports, LLC URL: http://connecticuthumanresources.blogspot.com/ |
22 December 2014
• U.S. College Grad Signing Bonuses — 2015
|
”More employers plan to offer signing bonuses to Class of 2015 college graduates than they did for any graduating class over the past five years, according to a new report from the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE).  Please visit this link to read the full report: LinkToArticle NOTE: This report is provided with the understanding that the publisher is not engaged in providing legal, financial, accounting or other professional advice. If professional assistance is required, the services of a competent professional should be sought. Furthermore, while we do our best to ensure that these data are accurate, we suggest that any entity making decisions based on these numbers should verify the data at their source prior to making such decisions. © 2014 Connecticut Human Resource Reports, LLC URL: http://connecticuthumanresources.blogspot.com/ |
20 December 2014
• U.S. Prices: Retail Regular Gasoline vs. West Texas Intermediate Crude Oil — December 2014
 Source: U.S. Department of Energy NOTE: This report is provided with the understanding that the publisher is not engaged in providing legal, financial, accounting or other professional advice. If professional assistance is required, the services of a competent professional should be sought. Furthermore, while we do our best to ensure that these data are accurate, we suggest that any entity making decisions based on these numbers should verify the data at their source prior to making such decisions. © 2014 Connecticut Human Resource Reports, LLC URL: http://connecticuthumanresources.blogspot.com/ |
19 December 2014
• Regional and State Employment & Unemployment — November 2014—
|
Unemployment: Regional and state unemployment rates were little changed in November. Forty-one states and the District of Columbia had unemployment rate decreases from October, three states had increases, and six states had no change. Forty-three states and the District of Columbia had unemployment rate decreases from a year earlier, four states had increases, and three states had no change. The national jobless rate was unchanged from October at 5.8 percent and was 1.2 percentage points lower than in November 2013. Employment: Nonfarm payroll employment increased in 37 states and the District of Columbia, decreased in 12 states, and was unchanged in Idaho. The largest over-the-month increases in employment occurred in California (+90,100), Florida (+41,900), and Texas (+34,800). The largest over-the-month decrease in employment occurred in West Virginia (-5,200), followed by Mississippi (-4,500) and Kansas (-4,100). Please visit this link to read the full report: USDOL-BLS NOTE: This report is provided with the understanding that the publisher is not engaged in providing legal, financial, accounting or other professional advice. If professional assistance is required, the services of a competent professional should be sought. Furthermore, while we do our best to ensure that these data are accurate, we suggest that any entity making decisions based on these numbers should verify the data at their source prior to making such decisions. © 2014 Connecticut Human Resource Reports, LLC URL: http://connecticuthumanresources.blogspot.com/ |
• U.S. Personal Income, By State — Q3 2014
|
State personal income growth averaged 1.0 percent in the third quarter of 2014, down from 1.2 percent in the second quarter. Growth in personal income–the sum of net earnings by place of residence, property income, and personal current transfer receipts–slowed in 38 states and in the District of Columbia. The percent change across states ranged from -0.2 percent in South Dakota (the only state with a decline) to 1.4 percent in Texas. Inflation, as measured by the national price index for personal consumption expenditures, slowed to 0.3 percent in the third quarter from 0.6 percent in the second quarter. Please visit this link to read the full report: USDOC-BEA NOTE: This report is provided with the understanding that the publisher is not engaged in providing legal, financial, accounting or other professional advice. If professional assistance is required, the services of a competent professional should be sought. Furthermore, while we do our best to ensure that these data are accurate, we suggest that any entity making decisions based on these numbers should verify the data at their source prior to making such decisions. © 2014 Connecticut Human Resource Reports, LLC URL: http://connecticuthumanresources.blogspot.com/ |
• Connecticut’s Labor Situation — November 2014
|
On a seasonally adjusted basis, the preliminary nonfarm job estimate shows Connecticut added 4,600 jobs (0.27%) in November 2014. The state nonfarm industry has now increased 25,700 positions (1.55%) since November 2013 to a level of 1,687,100 jobs. “Connecticut’s recent string of healthier employment gains looks to be attracting many more jobseekers into the state’s labor market in the lead-up to the holiday season and holiday hiring appears to be above average,” said Andy Condon, Director of the Office of Research. “We are also starting to observe some much improved estimates of private sector wage growth that may be encouraging labor force participation as well.” Please visit this link to read the full report: LinkToArticle NOTE: This report is provided with the understanding that the publisher is not engaged in providing legal, financial, accounting or other professional advice. If professional assistance is required, the services of a competent professional should be sought. Furthermore, while we do our best to ensure that these data are accurate, we suggest that any entity making decisions based on these numbers should verify the data at their source prior to making such decisions. © 2014 Connecticut Human Resource Reports, LLC URL: http://connecticuthumanresources.blogspot.com/ |
18 December 2014
• U.S. Wages and Employment — By County
|
Employment: From June 2013 to June 2014, employment increased in 305 of the 339 largest U.S. counties . Weld, Colo., had the largest increase, with a gain of 8.9 percent over the year, compared with national job growth of 2.0 percent. Atlantic, N.J., had the largest over-the-year decrease in employment among the largest counties in the U.S. with a loss of 1.6 percent.  Williamson, Texas, experienced the largest decrease in average weekly wages with a loss of 2.7 percent over the year.  NOTE: This report is provided with the understanding that the publisher is not engaged in providing legal, financial, accounting or other professional advice. If professional assistance is required, the services of a competent professional should be sought. Furthermore, while we do our best to ensure that these data are accurate, we suggest that any entity making decisions based on these numbers should verify the data at their source prior to making such decisions. © 2014 Connecticut Human Resource Reports, LLC URL: http://connecticuthumanresources.blogspot.com/ |
• U.S. Initial Unemployment Claims — 13 December 2014
In the week ending December 13, the advance figure for seasonally adjusted initial claims was 289,000, a decrease of
6,000 from the previous week's revised level. The previous week's level was revised up by 1,000 from 294,000 to
295,000.  The advance seasonally adjusted insured unemployment rate was 1.8 percent for the week ending December 6, a decrease of 0.1 percentage point from the previous week's unrevised rate. The advance number for seasonally adjusted insured unemployment during the week ending December 6 was 2,373,000, a decrease of 147,000 from the previous week's revised level. The highest insured unemployment rates in the week ending November 29 were in Alaska (4.7), Puerto Rico (3.4), New Jersey (3.2), California (2.9), the Virgin Islands (2.9), Montana (2.8), Connecticut (2.7), Nevada (2.7), Pennsylvania (2.7), and West Virginia (2.5). The largest increases in initial claims for the week ending December 6 were in Pennsylvania (+12,302), Texas (+9,107), Georgia (+8,214), California (+6,051), and New York (+5,972), while the largest decreases were in Nebraska (-429), Vermont (-353), Arkansas (-216), Kentucky (-134), and North Dakota (-13). Note: “Insured unemployment rate” refers to individuals who are unemployed and receiving UC benefits. See the complete report at this link: USDOL-BLS NOTE: This report is provided with the understanding that the publisher is not engaged in providing legal, financial, accounting or other professional advice. If professional assistance is required, the services of a competent professional should be sought. Furthermore, while we do our best to ensure that these data are accurate, we suggest that any entity making decisions based on these numbers should verify the data at their source prior to making such decisions. |
17 December 2014
• U.S. Real Earnings – November 2014
Real average hourly earnings for all employees rose 0.6 percent from October to November, seasonally
adjusted. This result stems from a 0.4 percent
increase in average hourly earnings combined with a 0.3 percent decrease in the Consumer Price Index
for All Urban Consumers (CPI-U).
 Real average hourly earnings increased by 0.8 percent, seasonally adjusted, from November 2013 to November 2014. This increase in real average hourly earnings, combined with a 0.3 percent increase in the average workweek, resulted in a 1.1 percent increase in real average weekly earnings over this period. See the complete report at this link: 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. |
• U.S. Consumer Price Index — November 2015
|
CPI-U: The Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers (CPI-U) increased 1.3 percent over the last 12 months to an index level of 236.151 (1982-84=100). For the month, the index fell 0.5 percent prior to seasonal adjustment.  C-CPI-U: The Chained Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers (C-CPI-U) increased 1.0 percent over the last 12 months to an index level of 134.962. For the month, the index fell 0.7 percent on a not seasonally adjusted basis.  Please visit this link to read the full report: LinkToArticle NOTE: This report is provided with the understanding that the publisher is not engaged in providing legal, financial, accounting or other professional advice. If professional assistance is required, the services of a competent professional should be sought. Furthermore, while we do our best to ensure that these data are accurate, we suggest that any entity making decisions based on these numbers should verify the data at their source prior to making such decisions. © 2014 Connecticut Human Resource Reports, LLC URL: http://connecticuthumanresources.blogspot.com/ |
16 December 2014
• Work Experience of The U.S. Population — 2013
 Similarly, the proportions of whites (64.3 percent), blacks (58.8 percent), Asians (63.4 percent), and Hispanics (64.4 percent) who worked at some time during 2013 were little changed from the prior year. Although the proportion having work experience during 2013 was little changed from a year earlier, those who did work were more likely to work full time and more likely to work year round. Among those with work experience during 2013, 79.0 percent usually worked full time, up from 78.4 percent in 2012. Men continued to be more likely to work full time during the year (85.5 percent) than women (71.8 percent). The proportion of employed men working full time rose over the year, while the proportion of women working full time changed little. Please visit this link to read the full report: LinkToArticle NOTE: This report is provided with the understanding that the publisher is not engaged in providing legal, financial, accounting or other professional advice. If professional assistance is required, the services of a competent professional should be sought. Furthermore, while we do our best to ensure that these data are accurate, we suggest that any entity making decisions based on these numbers should verify the data at their source prior to making such decisions. © 2014 Connecticut Human Resource Reports, LLC URL: http://connecticuthumanresources.blogspot.com/ |
15 December 2014
• Survey: One Percent of U.S. Employers Eliminating Healthcare Coverage in 2015
 Please visit this link to read the full report: LinkToArticle NOTE: This report is provided with the understanding that the publisher is not engaged in providing legal, financial, accounting or other professional advice. If professional assistance is required, the services of a competent professional should be sought. Furthermore, while we do our best to ensure that these data are accurate, we suggest that any entity making decisions based on these numbers should verify the data at their source prior to making such decisions. © 2014 Connecticut Human Resource Reports, LLC URL: http://connecticuthumanresources.blogspot.com/ |
• U.S. Population Projections — 2014-2060
 These are the second series of projections to be published based on the 2010 Census (updating projections released in 2012). They include the first projections by nativity to be published in 14 years. Please visit this link to read the full report: LinkToArticle NOTE: This report is provided with the understanding that the publisher is not engaged in providing legal, financial, accounting or other professional advice. If professional assistance is required, the services of a competent professional should be sought. Furthermore, while we do our best to ensure that these data are accurate, we suggest that any entity making decisions based on these numbers should verify the data at their source prior to making such decisions. © 2014 Connecticut Human Resource Reports, LLC URL: http://connecticuthumanresources.blogspot.com/ |
14 December 2014
• U.S. NLRB Issues Pro-Union Rule On Elections
 The new rule will shorten the time between when an election is ordered and the election is held, eliminating a previous 25-day waiting period; and, it seeks to reduce litigation that can be used to stall elections. The new rule will also require employers to furnish union organizers with email addresses and phone numbers of workers. Please visit this link to read the NLRB release: LinkToNLRB Yes, we know we have the NLRB logo tilted to the left. NOTE: This report is provided with the understanding that the publisher is not engaged in providing legal, financial, accounting or other professional advice. If professional assistance is required, the services of a competent professional should be sought. Furthermore, while we do our best to ensure that these data are accurate, we suggest that any entity making decisions based on these numbers should verify the data at their source prior to making such decisions. © 2014 Connecticut Human Resource Reports, LLC URL: http://connecticuthumanresources.blogspot.com/ |
13 December 2014
• Connecticut’s Flu Season Is Underway
 "It’s not too late to get the flu shot; it will provide the cross protection you need...." Please visit this link to read the full report: LinkToArticle NOTE: This report is provided with the understanding that the publisher is not engaged in providing legal, financial, accounting or other professional advice. If professional assistance is required, the services of a competent professional should be sought. Furthermore, while we do our best to ensure that these data are accurate, we suggest that any entity making decisions based on these numbers should verify the data at their source prior to making such decisions. © 2014 Connecticut Human Resource Reports, LLC URL: http://connecticuthumanresources.blogspot.com/ |
12 December 2014
• U.S. Producer Price Index — November 2014
|
The Producer Price Index for final demand fell 0.2 percent in November, seasonally adjusted. This decrease followed a 0.2-percent rise in October and a 0.1-percent decline in September. On an unadjusted basis, the index for final demand advanced 1.4 percent for the 12 months ended in November, the smallest 12-month increase since a 1.2-percent rise in February 2014.  NOTE: This report is provided with the understanding that the publisher is not engaged in providing legal, financial, accounting or other professional advice. If professional assistance is required, the services of a competent professional should be sought. Furthermore, while we do our best to ensure that these data are accurate, we suggest that any entity making decisions based on these numbers should verify the data at their source prior to making such decisions. © 2014 Connecticut Human Resource Reports, LLC URL: http://connecticuthumanresources.blogspot.com/ |
11 December 2014
• U.S. Initial Unemployment Claims — 06 December 2014
In the week ending December 6, the advance figure for seasonally adjusted initial claims was 294,000, a decrease of
3,000 from the previous week's unrevised level of 297,000.  The advance seasonally adjusted insured unemployment rate was 1.9 percent for the week ending November 29, an increase of 0.1 percentage point from the previous week's unrevised rate. The advance number for seasonally adjusted insured unemployment during the week ending November 29 was 2,514,000, an increase of 142,000 from the previous week's revised level. The highest insured unemployment rates in the week ending November 22 were in Alaska (4.0), Puerto Rico (3.1), New Jersey (2.8), Connecticut (2.4), Montana (2.4), Nevada (2.4), the Virgin Islands (2.3), Massachusetts (2.2), Pennsylvania (2.2), California (2.1), and Oregon (2.1). The largest increases in initial claims for the week ending November 29 were in New York (+2,979), Wisconsin (+2,293), Arkansas (+484), Vermont (+417), and Kentucky (+145), while the largest decreases were in California (- 13,819), Texas (-6,313), Ohio (-4,284), Pennsylvania (-4,199), and Illinois (-3,359). Note: “Insured unemployment rate” refers to individuals who are unemployed and receiving UC benefits. See the complete report at this link: USDOL-BLS NOTE: This report is provided with the understanding that the publisher is not engaged in providing legal, financial, accounting or other professional advice. If professional assistance is required, the services of a competent professional should be sought. Furthermore, while we do our best to ensure that these data are accurate, we suggest that any entity making decisions based on these numbers should verify the data at their source prior to making such decisions. |
10 December 2014
• U.S. Standard Mileage Rates to Rise in 2015
|
The Internal Revenue Service issued the 2015 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, 2015, the standard mileage rates for the use of a car, van, pickup or panel truck will be:  • 23 cents per mile driven for medical or moving purposes, down half a cent from 2014 • 14 cents per mile driven in service of charitable organizations The standard mileage rate for business is based on an annual study of the fixed and variable costs of operating an automobile, including depreciation, insurance, repairs, tires, maintenance, gas and oil. The rate for medical and moving purposes is based on the variable costs, such as gas and oil. The charitable rate is set by law. Taxpayers always have the option of claiming deductions based on the actual costs of using a vehicle rather than the standard mileage rates. A taxpayer may not use the business standard mileage rate for a vehicle after claiming accelerated depreciation, including the Section 179 expense deduction, on that vehicle. Likewise, the standard rate is not available to fleet owners (more than four vehicles used simultaneously). Details on these and other special rules are in Revenue Procedure 2010-51, the instructions to Form 1040 and various online IRS publications including Publication 17, Your Federal Income Tax. Besides the standard mileage rates, Notice 2014-79, posted today on IRS.gov, also includes the basis reduction amounts for those choosing the business standard mileage rate, as well as the maximum standard automobile cost that may be used in computing an allowance under a fixed and variable rate plan. Please visit this link to read the full IRS Publication: LinkToIRSPublication NOTE: This report is provided with the understanding that the publisher is not engaged in providing legal, financial, accounting or other professional advice. If professional assistance is required, the services of a competent professional should be sought. Furthermore, while we do our best to ensure that these data are accurate, we suggest that any entity making decisions based on these numbers should verify the data at their source prior to making such decisions. © 2014 Connecticut Human Resource Reports, LLC URL: http://connecticuthumanresources.blogspot.com/ |
• Employer Costs For Employee Compensation — Q3 2014
|
All Civilian Workers: Employer costs for employee compensation for civilian workers averaged $32.20 per hour worked in September 2014. Wages and salaries averaged $22.13 per hour worked and accounted for 68.7 percent of these costs, while benefits averaged $10.07 and accounted for the remaining 31.3 percent.  State and Local Government: Employers spent an average of $43.56 per hour worked for employee compensation in September 2014. Wages and salaries averaged $27.89 per hour and accounted for 64.0 percent of compensation costs, while benefits averaged $15.67 per hour worked and accounted for the remaining 36.0 percent. Please visit this link to read the full report: LinkToArticle NOTE: This report is provided with the understanding that the publisher is not engaged in providing legal, financial, accounting or other professional advice. If professional assistance is required, the services of a competent professional should be sought. Furthermore, while we do our best to ensure that these data are accurate, we suggest that any entity making decisions based on these numbers should verify the data at their source prior to making such decisions. © 2014 Connecticut Human Resource Reports, LLC URL: http://connecticuthumanresources.blogspot.com/ |
• “America's Health Rankings Findings: Who Takes the Crown As Healthiest State?”
|
”How does our health measure up in the US for 2014? ”America's Health Rankings have released a new annual state-by-state analysis of factors affecting our country's health, celebrating the nation's health gains and highlighting the sobering challenges that we may face in 2015 and thereafter….” Please visit this link to read the full report: LinkToArticle NOTE: This report is provided with the understanding that the publisher is not engaged in providing legal, financial, accounting or other professional advice. If professional assistance is required, the services of a competent professional should be sought. Furthermore, while we do our best to ensure that these data are accurate, we suggest that any entity making decisions based on these numbers should verify the data at their source prior to making such decisions. © 2014 Connecticut Human Resource Reports, LLC URL: http://connecticuthumanresources.blogspot.com/ |
• Websites That Will Help Your Career
|
”…I put out a call for submissions on Forbes.com and Twitter, asking readers to tell me what sites they’re using to find jobs, network, and explore career resources. ”The responses were a diverse collection of recommendations for sites… ”Many readers suggested mobile apps, and while I’ve limited this list to websites, those nominations were a good reminder of the different ways professionals are now accessing resources, and one I may explore in a future post. Responses also indicated that an increasing number of job seekers are turning away from traditional job sites and listings and towards social media and crowd sourcing…” Please visit this link to read the full report: LinkToArticle NOTE: This report is provided with the understanding that the publisher is not engaged in providing legal, financial, accounting or other professional advice. If professional assistance is required, the services of a competent professional should be sought. Furthermore, while we do our best to ensure that these data are accurate, we suggest that any entity making decisions based on these numbers should verify the data at their source prior to making such decisions. © 2014 Connecticut Human Resource Reports, LLC URL: http://connecticuthumanresources.blogspot.com/ |
• U.S. Employer Office Parties: What’s Happening?
 ”Eighty-eight percent of companies will have a party this holiday season—down from 96 percent in 2013 and 91 percent in 2012….” Please visit this link to read the full report: LinkToArticle NOTE: This report is provided with the understanding that the publisher is not engaged in providing legal, financial, accounting or other professional advice. If professional assistance is required, the services of a competent professional should be sought. Furthermore, while we do our best to ensure that these data are accurate, we suggest that any entity making decisions based on these numbers should verify the data at their source prior to making such decisions. © 2014 Connecticut Human Resource Reports, LLC URL: http://connecticuthumanresources.blogspot.com/ |
09 December 2014
• U.S. Monthly Employment Turnover: 2-Year Comparison — October 2014
 Please visit this link to read the full report: LinkToArticle NOTE: This report is provided with the understanding that the publisher is not engaged in providing legal, financial, accounting or other professional advice. If professional assistance is required, the services of a competent professional should be sought. Furthermore, while we do our best to ensure that these data are accurate, we suggest that any entity making decisions based on these numbers should verify the data at their source prior to making such decisions. © 2014 Connecticut Human Resource Reports, LLC URL: http://connecticuthumanresources.blogspot.com/ |
• U.S. Job Openings, Hires, Turnover, Quits — October 2014
 [1] The job openings rate is the number of job openings on the last business day of the month as a percent of total employment plus job openings. [2] The hires rate is the number of hires during the entire month as a percent of total employment. [3] The total separations rate is the number of total separations during the entire month as a percent of total employment; includes quits. [4] The quits rate is the number of quits during the entire month as a percent of total employment; included in "total turnover." Please visit this link to read the full report: LinkToArticle NOTE: This report is provided with the understanding that the publisher is not engaged in providing legal, financial, accounting or other professional advice. If professional assistance is required, the services of a competent professional should be sought. Furthermore, while we do our best to ensure that these data are accurate, we suggest that any entity making decisions based on these numbers should verify the data at their source prior to making such decisions. © 2014 Connecticut Human Resource Reports, LLC URL: http://connecticuthumanresources.blogspot.com/ |
• U.S. Job Openings & Hires — October 2014
|
Job Openings: The number of job openings (not seasonally adjusted) increased over the 12 months ending in October for total nonfarm and total private, and was little changed for government. The job openings level increased over the year for many industries, including both professional and business services and accommodation and food services. The number of openings also increased over the year in all four regions.  Please visit this link to read the full report: LinkToArticle NOTE: This report is provided with the understanding that the publisher is not engaged in providing legal, financial, accounting or other professional advice. If professional assistance is required, the services of a competent professional should be sought. Furthermore, while we do our best to ensure that these data are accurate, we suggest that any entity making decisions based on these numbers should verify the data at their source prior to making such decisions. © 2014 Connecticut Human Resource Reports, LLC URL: http://connecticuthumanresources.blogspot.com/ |
• U.S. Major Metropolitan Area Employment, Unemployment — October 2014
|
Unemployment rates were lower in October than a year earlier in 354 of the 372 metropolitan areas, higher in 14 areas, and unchanged in 4 areas. Eight areas had jobless rates of at least 10.0 percent and 144 areas had rates of less than 5.0 percent. Nonfarm payroll employment increased over the year in 318 metropolitan areas, decreased in 46 areas, and was unchanged in 8 areas. Please visit this link to read the full report: LinkToArticle NOTE: This report is provided with the understanding that the publisher is not engaged in providing legal, financial, accounting or other professional advice. If professional assistance is required, the services of a competent professional should be sought. Furthermore, while we do our best to ensure that these data are accurate, we suggest that any entity making decisions based on these numbers should verify the data at their source prior to making such decisions. © 2014 Connecticut Human Resource Reports, LLC URL: http://connecticuthumanresources.blogspot.com/ |
• U.S. Business Economists Say GDP, Employment Will Rise
|
”Economists participating in NABE’s December 2014 Outlook Survey expect economic growth to accelerate in 2015…. “The NABE panelists’ median forecast is for real GDP growth to measure 3.1% on an annual average basis next year, a marked improvement from the 2.2% growth rate currently expected for 2014. On a Q4/Q4 basis, the panel’s median forecast is for real GDP to climb 2.2% in 2014 and 2.9% in 2015. ”The Outlook Survey panelists anticipate the solid pace of output growth will be accompanied by continued labor market firming, with nonfarm employment expanding by nearly 220,000 jobs per month next year and the unemployment rate falling to 5.4% by the fourth quarter of 2015.” Please visit this link to read the full report: LinkToArticle NOTE: This report is provided with the understanding that the publisher is not engaged in providing legal, financial, accounting or other professional advice. If professional assistance is required, the services of a competent professional should be sought. Furthermore, while we do our best to ensure that these data are accurate, we suggest that any entity making decisions based on these numbers should verify the data at their source prior to making such decisions. © 2014 Connecticut Human Resource Reports, LLC URL: http://connecticuthumanresources.blogspot.com/ |
U.S. Population, Employment, and Civilian Labor Force — November 2014
 Please visit this link to read the full report: LinkToArticle NOTE: This report is provided with the understanding that the publisher is not engaged in providing legal, financial, accounting or other professional advice. If professional assistance is required, the services of a competent professional should be sought. Furthermore, while we do our best to ensure that these data are accurate, we suggest that any entity making decisions based on these numbers should verify the data at their source prior to making such decisions. © 2014 Connecticut Human Resource Reports, LLC URL: http://connecticuthumanresources.blogspot.com/ |
08 December 2014
• U.S. Payrolls — October 2014
|
Private wages and salaries increased $18.8 billion in October, compared with an increase of $13.9 billion in September.  Services-producing industries' payrolls increased $11.6 billion, compared with an increase of $11.3 billion. Government wages and salaries increased $1.4 billion, compared with an increase of $1.8 billion. Please visit this link to read the full report: LinkToArticle NOTE: This report is provided with the understanding that the publisher is not engaged in providing legal, financial, accounting or other professional advice. If professional assistance is required, the services of a competent professional should be sought. Furthermore, while we do our best to ensure that these data are accurate, we suggest that any entity making decisions based on these numbers should verify the data at their source prior to making such decisions. © 2014 Connecticut Human Resource Reports, LLC URL: http://connecticuthumanresources.blogspot.com/ |
• U.S. Personal Income — October 2014
|
Personal income increased $32.9 billion, or 0.2 percent, and disposable personal income (DPI) increased $23.4 billion, or 0.2 percent, in October. Personal consumption expenditures (PCE) increased $27.3 billion, or 0.2 percent. In September, personal income increased $24.6 billion, or 0.2 percent, DPI increased $17.2 billion, or 0.1 percent, and PCE increased $4.1 billion, or less than 0.1 percent, based on revised estimates.  Please visit this link to read the full report: LinkToArticle NOTE: This report is provided with the understanding that the publisher is not engaged in providing legal, financial, accounting or other professional advice. If professional assistance is required, the services of a competent professional should be sought. Furthermore, while we do our best to ensure that these data are accurate, we suggest that any entity making decisions based on these numbers should verify the data at their source prior to making such decisions. © 2014 Connecticut Human Resource Reports, LLC URL: http://connecticuthumanresources.blogspot.com/ |
• U.S. Employment Situation: Official Unemployment Rate vs. Alternative Rate[*] — November 2014
 In November, 2.1 million persons were marginally attached to the labor force, essentially unchanged from a year earlier. (The 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 698,000 discouraged workers in November, little different from a year earlier. (The 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 1.4 million persons marginally attached to the labor force in November had not searched for work for reasons such as school attendance or family responsibilities. Please visit this link to read the full report: LinkToArticle NOTE: This report is provided with the understanding that the publisher is not engaged in providing legal, financial, accounting or other professional advice. If professional assistance is required, the services of a competent professional should be sought. Furthermore, while we do our best to ensure that these data are accurate, we suggest that any entity making decisions based on these numbers should verify the data at their source prior to making such decisions. © 2014 Connecticut Human Resource Reports, LLC URL: http://connecticuthumanresources.blogspot.com/ |
07 December 2014
• U.S. Average Earnings — November 2014
|
Average hourly earnings for all employees on private nonfarm payrolls rose by 9 cents to $24.66 in November. Over the year, average hourly earnings have risen by 2.1 percent. In November, average hourly earnings of private-sector production and nonsupervisory employees increased by 4 cents to $20.74.  NOTE: This report is provided with the understanding that the publisher is not engaged in providing legal, financial, accounting or other professional advice. If professional assistance is required, the services of a competent professional should be sought. Furthermore, while we do our best to ensure that these data are accurate, we suggest that any entity making decisions based on these numbers should verify the data at their source prior to making such decisions. © 2014 Connecticut Human Resource Reports, LLC URL: http://connecticuthumanresources.blogspot.com/ |
06 December 2014
• U.S. Employment Situation — Goods Producing vs. Services
|
Total nonfarm payroll employment rose by 321,000 in November, compared with an average monthly gain of 224,000 over the prior 12 months. In November, job growth was widespread, led by gains in professional and business services, retail trade, health care, and manufacturing.  Please visit this link to read the full report: LinkToArticle NOTE: This report is provided with the understanding that the publisher is not engaged in providing legal, financial, accounting or other professional advice. If professional assistance is required, the services of a competent professional should be sought. Furthermore, while we do our best to ensure that these data are accurate, we suggest that any entity making decisions based on these numbers should verify the data at their source prior to making such decisions. © 2014 Connecticut Human Resource Reports, LLC URL: http://connecticuthumanresources.blogspot.com/ |
05 December 2014
• U.S. Unemployment Among Major Worker Groups — November 2014
|
Among the major worker groups, the unemployment rate for adult men rose to 5.4 percent in November. The rates for adult women (5.3 percent), teenagers (17.7 percent), whites (4.9 percent), blacks (11.1 percent), and Hispanics (6.6 percent) showed little change over the month. The jobless rate for Asians was 4.8 percent (not seasonally adjusted), little changed from a year earlier.  NOTE: This report is provided with the understanding that the publisher is not engaged in providing legal, financial, accounting or other professional advice. If professional assistance is required, the services of a competent professional should be sought. Furthermore, while we do our best to ensure that these data are accurate, we suggest that any entity making decisions based on these numbers should verify the data at their source prior to making such decisions. © 2014 Connecticut Human Resource Reports, LLC URL: http://connecticuthumanresources.blogspot.com/ |
• U.S. Employment Situation — November 2014
|
Total nonfarm payroll employment increased by 321,000 in November, and the unemployment rate was unchanged at 5.8 percent. Job gains were widespread, led by growth in professional and business services, retail trade, health care, and manufacturing.  The number of long-term unemployed (those jobless for 27 weeks or more) was little changed at 2.8 million in November. These individuals accounted for 30.7 percent of the unemployed. Over the past 12 months, the number of long-term unemployed declined by 1.2 million. Please visit this link to read the full report: LinkToArticle NOTE: This report is provided with the understanding that the publisher is not engaged in providing legal, financial, accounting or other professional advice. If professional assistance is required, the services of a competent professional should be sought. Furthermore, while we do our best to ensure that these data are accurate, we suggest that any entity making decisions based on these numbers should verify the data at their source prior to making such decisions. © 2014 Connecticut Human Resource Reports, LLC URL: http://connecticuthumanresources.blogspot.com/ |
04 December 2014
• U.S. Employer-Reported Workplace Injuries and Illnesses — 2013
|
Slightly more than 3.0 million nonfatal workplace injuries and illnesses were reported by private industry employers in 2013, resulting in an incidence rate of 3.3 cases per 100 equivalent full-time workers. The rate reported for 2013 continues the pattern of statistically significant declines that, with the exception of 2012, occurred annually for the last 11 years.  The rate of reported injuries and illnesses declined significantly in 2013 among the manufacturing, retail trade, and utilities sectors but was statistically unchanged among all other private industry sectors compared to a year earlier. Please visit this link to read the full report: LinkToReport NOTE: This report is provided with the understanding that the publisher is not engaged in providing legal, financial, accounting or other professional advice. If professional assistance is required, the services of a competent professional should be sought. Furthermore, while we do our best to ensure that these data are accurate, we suggest that any entity making decisions based on these numbers should verify the data at their source prior to making such decisions. © 2014 Connecticut Human Resource Reports, LLC URL: http://connecticuthumanresources.blogspot.com/ |
• U.S. Initial Unemployment Claims — 29 November 2014
| In the week ending November 29, the advance figure for seasonally adjusted initial claims was 297,000, a decrease of
17,000 from the previous week's revised level. The previous week's level was revised up by 1,000 from 313,000 to
314,000. The 4-week moving average was 299,000, an increase of 4,750 from the previous week's revised average. The previous week's average was revised up by 250 from 294,000 to 294,250.  The highest insured unemployment rates in the week ending November 15 were in Alaska (4.2), Puerto Rico (3.4), the Virgin Islands (3.1), New Jersey (2.9), California (2.5), Connecticut (2.4), Nevada (2.4), Montana (2.3), Pennsylvania (2.3), and Massachusetts (2.2). The largest increases in initial claims for the week ending November 22 were in California (+19,173), Pennsylvania (+8,213), Ohio (+7,117), Illinois (+4,283), and Wisconsin (+3,262), while the largest decreases were in Montana (- 1,182), Colorado (-622), Wyoming (-291), South Carolina (-237), and District of Columbia (-7). Note: “Insured unemployment rate” refers to individuals who are unemployed and receiving UC benefits. See the complete report at this link: USDOL-BLS NOTE: This report is provided with the understanding that the publisher is not engaged in providing legal, financial, accounting or other professional advice. If professional assistance is required, the services of a competent professional should be sought. Furthermore, while we do our best to ensure that these data are accurate, we suggest that any entity making decisions based on these numbers should verify the data at their source prior to making such decisions. |
03 December 2014
• U.S. Online Help-Wanted Advertising — November 2014
|
”Online advertised vacancies rose 170,200 to 5,253,900 in November, according to The Conference Board Help Wanted OnLine® (HWOL) Data Series, released today. The October Supply/Demand rate stands at 1.77 unemployed for each advertised vacancy with a total of 3.9 million more unemployed workers than the number of advertised vacancies. The number of unemployed was 9.0 million in October. “’November labor demand shows renewed strength, helping to boost a slow-growth second half of the year,’ said Gad Levanon, Managing Director, Economic Outlook & Labor Markets at The Conference Board. ‘Gains were widespread across States and MSAs with continued positive trend growth across much of the U.S.'  Please visit this link to read the full report: LinkToArticle NOTE: This report is provided with the understanding that the publisher is not engaged in providing legal, financial, accounting or other professional advice. If professional assistance is required, the services of a competent professional should be sought. Furthermore, while we do our best to ensure that these data are accurate, we suggest that any entity making decisions based on these numbers should verify the data at their source prior to making such decisions. © 2014 Connecticut Human Resource Reports, LLC URL: http://connecticuthumanresources.blogspot.com/ |
• U.S. Labor Productivity & Costs [Revised] — Q3 2014
|
Productivity: Nonfarm business sector labor productivity increased at a 2.3 percent annual rate during the third quarter of 2014, as output increased 4.9 percent and hours worked increased 2.5 percent. (All quarterly percent changes in this release are seasonally adjusted annual rates.) From the third quarter of 2013 to the third quarter of 2014, productivity rose 1.0 percent as output and hours worked increased 3.1 percent and 2.1 percent, respectively. Labor Costs: Unit labor costs in the nonfarm business sector fell 1.0 percent in the third quarter of 2014, as a 1.3 percent increase in hourly compensation was smaller than the 2.3 percent gain in productivity. Unit labor costs increased 1.2 percent over the last four quarters.  Please visit this link to read the full report: LinkToArticle NOTE: This report is provided with the understanding that the publisher is not engaged in providing legal, financial, accounting or other professional advice. If professional assistance is required, the services of a competent professional should be sought. Furthermore, while we do our best to ensure that these data are accurate, we suggest that any entity making decisions based on these numbers should verify the data at their source prior to making such decisions. © 2014 Connecticut Human Resource Reports, LLC URL: http://connecticuthumanresources.blogspot.com/ |