|
Civilian Workers: Compensation costs for civilian workers was little changed at 0.2 percent, seasonally adjusted, for the 3-month period ending June 2015. Wages and salaries (which make up about 70 percent of compensation costs) was also little changed at 0.2 percent, and benefits (which make up the remaining 30 percent of compensation) was little changed at 0.1 percent. Compensation costs for civilian workers increased 2.0 percent for the 12-month period ending June 2015, unchanged from the 12-month period ending June 2014. Wages and salaries increased 2.1 percent for the current 12-month period. In June 2014 the change was 1.8 percent. Benefit costs increased 1.8 percent for the 12-month period ending June 2015. In June 2014 the increase was 2.5 percent. Private Industry Workers: Compensation costs for private industry workers increased 1.9 percent over the year, about unchanged from the previous year when the increase was 2.0 percent. Wages and salaries increased 2.2 percent for the current 12-month period. The increase for the period ending June 2014 was 1.9 percent. The increase in the cost of benefits was 1.4 percent for the 12-month period ending June 2015. This was lower than a year earlier when the increase was 2.4 percent. State and Local Government Workers: Compensation costs for state and local government workers increased 2.2 percent for the 12-month period ending June 2015. In June 2014 the increase was 2.0 percent. Wages and salaries increased 1.9 percent for the 12-month period ending June 2015, higher than a year earlier when the increase was 1.3 percent. Benefit costs increased 2.7 percent in June 2015. In June 2014 the increase was 3.2 percent. 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. © 2015 Connecticut Human Resource Reports, LLC |
31 July 2015
• U.S. Employment Cost Index — June [Q2] 2015
30 July 2015
• U.S. Gross Domestic Product — Q2 2015
|
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 2.3 percent in the second quarter of
2015, according to the "advance" estimate. In the first
quarter, real GDP increased 0.6 percent (revised).
The increase in real GDP in the second quarter reflected positive contributions from personal consumption expenditures (PCE), exports, state and local government spending, and residential fixed investment that were partly offset by negative contributions from federal government spending, private inventory investment, and nonresidential fixed investment. Imports, which are a subtraction in the calculation of GDP, increased.... 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. © 2015 Connecticut Human Resource Reports, LLC |
• U.S. Initial Unemployment Claims — 25 July 2015
| In the week ending July 25, the advance figure for seasonally adjusted initial claims was 267,000, an increase of 12,000
from the previous week's unrevised level of 255,000. The 4-week moving average was 274,750, a decrease of 3,750 from
the previous week's unrevised average of 278,500.
The advance seasonally adjusted insured unemployment rate was 1.7 percent for the week ending July 18, 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 July 18 was 2,262,000, an increase of 46,000 from the previous week's revised level. The highest insured unemployment rates in the week ending July 11 were in Puerto Rico (3.8), New Jersey (3.0), Connecticut (2.7), Pennsylvania (2.6), the Virgin Islands (2.4), Alaska (2.3), California (2.3), Nevada (2.3), Rhode Island (2.3), and West Virginia (2.3). The largest increases in initial claims for the week ending July 18 were in California (+1,948), Rhode Island (+382), and Idaho (+57), while the largest decreases were in New York (-21,082), Pennsylvania (-7,456), Illinois (-4,043), New Jersey (-3,941), and Texas (-3,174) 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. © 2015 Connecticut Human Resource Reports, LLC URL: http://connecticuthumanresources.blogspot.com/ |
29 July 2015
• U.S. Average Retail Gasoline and Diesel Fuel Prices Decrease — 27 July 2015
|
Gasoline: The U.S. average retail price of regular gasoline was $2.75 per gallon as of July 27, 2015, down six cents from the previous week and 79 cents lower than the same time last year. The Rocky Mountain price was the only increase, up two cents to $2.86 per gallon. The Midwest price declined nine cents to $2.58 per gallon, followed by the West Coast price, which fell six cents to $3.55 per gallon. The Gulf Coast price was down five cents to $2.44 per gallon and the East Coast price was four cents lower at $2.63 per gallon.
Diesel: The U.S. average price for diesel fuel decreased six cents from the previous week to $2.72 per gallon, $1.14 per gallon lower than the same time last year. The East Coast, Midwest, and Gulf Coast prices each decreased six cents to $2.81 per gallon, $2.62 per gallon, and $2.61 per gallon, respectively. The West Coast price was down five cents to $2.96 per gallon. The Rocky Mountain price declined four cents to $2.74 per gallon.….” Please visit this link to read the full report: USEIA 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. © 2015 Connecticut Human Resource Reports, LLC |
• U.S. Metropolitan Area Employment and Unemployment — June 2015
|
Unemployment rates were lower in June than a year earlier in 351 of the 387
metropolitan areas, higher in 28 areas, and unchanged in 8 areas. Six areas had jobless rates of less
than 3.0 percent and five areas had rates of at least 10.0 percent.
Nonfarm payroll employment increased over the year in 317 metropolitan areas, decreased in 61 areas, and was unchanged in 9 areas. ….” 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. © 2015 Connecticut Human Resource Reports, LLC |
28 July 2015
• U.S. Consumer Confidence Index Declines — July 2015
|
“The Conference Board Consumer Confidence Index®, which had improved in June, declined in July. The Index now stands at 90.9 (1985=100), down from 99.8 in June. The Present Situation Index decreased moderately from 110.3 last month to 107.4 in July, while the Expectations Index declined sharply to 79.9 from 92.8 in June.
“Says Lynn Franco, Director of Economic Indicators at The Conference Board: ‘Consumer confidence declined sharply in July, following a gain in June. Consumers continue to assess current conditions favorably, but their short-term expectations deteriorated this month. A less optimistic outlook for the labor market, and perhaps the uncertainty and volatility in financial markets prompted by the situation in Greece and China, appears to have shaken consumers’ confidence. Overall, the Index remains at levels associated with an expanding economy and a relatively confident consumer….’” Please visit this link to read the full report: TheConferenceBoard 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. © 2015 Connecticut Human Resource Reports, LLC |
• U.S. Short-Term Energy Forecast — July 2015
| Prices of gasoline, diesel, home heating fuel, propane, and electricity will rise from current levels, but not by a great deal:
 Please visit this link to read the full report: USEnergyInformationAgency 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. © 2015 Connecticut Human Resource Reports, LLC |
27 July 2015
• U.S. Durable Goods Orders — June 2015
|
New orders for manufactured durable goods in June
increased $7.7 billion or 3.4 percent to $235.3 billion. This increase, up following two consecutive monthly decreases,
followed a 2.1 percent May decrease. Excluding
transportation, new ordersincreased 0.8 percent.
Excluding defense, new orders increased 3.8 percent.
Shipments of manufactured durable goods in June, up following two consecutive monthly decreases, increased $0.3 billion or 0.1 percent to $239.4 billion. This followed a 0.3 percent May decrease. Inventories of manufactured durable goods in June, up twenty-four of the last twenty-five months, increased $1.6 billion or 0.4 percent to $402.3 billion. This was at the highest level since the series was first published on a NAICS basis. Please visit this link to read the full report: USDOCCensus 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. © 2015 Connecticut Human Resource Reports, LLC |
24 July 2015
• U.S. New Home Sales — June 2015
|
Sales of new single-family houses in June 2015 were at a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 482,000. This
is 6.8 percent (±12.5%) below the revised May rate of 517,000, but is 18.1 percent (±18.1%) above the June 2014
estimate of 408,000.
The median sales price of new houses sold in June 2015 was $281,800; the average sales price was $328,700. The seasonally adjusted estimate of new houses for sale at the end of June was 215,000. This represents a supply of 5.4 months at the current sales rate. 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. © 2015 Connecticut Human Resource Reports, LLC |
• U.S. Employee Benefits Survey — March 2015
|
“Access to medical care benefits for private industry workers was 86 percent in goods-
producing industries, compared with 66 percent for workers in service-providing industries.
"The employee share of family medical premiums was 27 percent for workers in goods-producing industries and 33 percent for workers in service-providing industries.….” 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. © 2015 Connecticut Human Resource Reports, LLC |
23 July 2015
• U.S. Average Retail Gasoline and Diesel Fuel Prices — 22 July 2015
 Diesel Fuel: The U.S. average price of diesel fuel decreased three cents from last week to $2.78 per gallon, $1.09 per gallon lower than the same time last year. Prices declined in all regions with the largest decrease occurring on the East Coast, where the price dropped four cents to $2.87 per gallon. The Gulf Coast, West Coast, and Midwest prices each dipped three cents from last week, to $2.67 per gallon, $3.00 per gallon, and $2.68 per gallon, respectively. The Rocky Mountains price decreased two cents to $2.77 per gallon. Please visit this link to read the full report: USEnergyInformationAdministration 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. © 2015 Connecticut Human Resource Reports, LLC |
• U.S. Leading Economic Indicators — June 2015
|
“The Conference Board Leading Economic Index® (LEI) for the U.S. increased 0.6
percent in June to 123.6 (2010 = 100), following a 0.8 percent increase in May, and a 0.6 percent increase in
April.
“’The upward trend in the US LEI seems to be gaining more momentum with another large increase in June pointing to continued strength in the economic outlook for the remainder of the year,’ said Ataman Ozyildirim, Director, Business Cycles and Growth Research, at The Conference Board. ‘Housing permits and the interest rate spread drove the latest gain in the LEI, while labor market indicators such as average workweek and initial claims remained unchanged….’” Please visit this link to read the full report: TheConferenceBoard 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. © 2015 Connecticut Human Resource Reports, LLC |
• U.S. Initial Unemployment Claims — 18 July 2015
| In the week ending July 18, the advance figure for seasonally adjusted initial claims was 255,000, a decrease of 26,000
from the previous week's unrevised level of 281,000. This is the lowest level for initial claims since November 24, 1973
when it was 233,000. The 4-week moving average was 278,500, a decrease of 4,000 from the previous week's unrevised average of 282,500. The advance seasonally adjusted insured unemployment rate was 1.6 percent for the week ending July 11, unchanged from the previous week's unrevised rate. The advance number for seasonally adjusted insured unemployment during the week ending July 11 was 2,207,000, a decrease of 9,000 from the previous week's revised level. The highest insured unemployment rates in the week ending July 4 were in Puerto Rico (3.7), New Jersey (3.0), Connecticut (2.7), Pennsylvania (2.6), Alaska (2.4), California (2.3), Nevada (2.3), Rhode Island (2.3), the Virgin Islands (2.2), and West Virginia (2.2). The largest increases in initial claims for the week ending July 11 were in New York (+15,639), Pennsylvania (+5,659), Georgia (+4,075), Illinois (+3,890), and Tennessee (+3,681), while the largest decreases were in California (-6,999), Michigan (-5,035), Massachusetts (-3,722), New Jersey (-3,540), and Rhode Island (-1,232). 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. © 2015 Connecticut Human Resource Reports, LLC URL: http://connecticuthumanresources.blogspot.com/ |
22 July 2015
• U.S. Social Security, Disability Insurance Fund Depletion Schedule — July 2015
|
“The Social Security Board of Trustees today released its annual report on the long-term financial status of the Social Security Trust Funds.
”The combined asset reserves of the Old-Age and Survivors Insurance, and Disability Insurance (OASDI) Trust Funds are projected to become depleted in 2034, one year later than projected last year, with 79 percent of benefits payable at that time. The DI Trust Fund will become depleted in 2016, unchanged from last year’s estimate, with 81 percent of benefits still payable….” Please visit this link to read the full report: SocialSecurity 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. © 2015 Connecticut Human Resource Reports, LLC |
• U.S. “Existing-Home Sales Rise in June as Home Prices Surpass July 2006 Peak” — June 2015
|
“Existing-home sales increased in June to their highest pace in over eight years, while the cumulative effect of rising demand and limited supply helped push the national median sales price to an all-time high, according to the National Association of Realtors®. All major regions experienced sales gains in June and have now risen above year-over-year levels for six consecutive months….
”The median existing-home price2 for all housing types in June was $236,400, which is 6.5 percent above June 2014 and surpasses the peak median sales price set in July 2006 ($230,400). June's price increase also marks the 40th consecutive month of year-over-year gains.….” Please visit this link to read the full report: NationalAssnRealtors 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. © 2015 Connecticut Human Resource Reports, LLC |
21 July 2015
• U.S. Usual Weekly Earnings of Wage and Salary Workers — Q2 2015
|
Median weekly earnings of the nation's 108.8 million full-time wage and salary
workers were $801 in the second quarter of 2015 (not seasonally adjusted). This was 2.7 percent higher than
a year earlier, compared with no change in the Consumer Price Index for All Urban
Consumers (CPI-U) over the same period.
By Gender: Median weekly earnings of full-time workers were $801 in the second quarter of 2015. Women had median usual weekly earnings of $726, or 81.9 percent of the $886 median for men. The women's-to-men's earnings ratio varied by race and ethnicity. White women earned 81.2 percent as much as their male counterparts, compared with black women (88.4 percent), Asian women (77.1 percent), and Hispanic women (92.4 percent). By Race and Ethnicity: Among the major race and ethnicity groups, median weekly earnings for black men working at full-time jobs were $696 per week, or 76.1 percent of the median for white men ($914). The difference was less among women, as black women's median earnings ($615) were 82.9 percent of those for white women ($742). Overall, median earnings of Hispanics who worked full time ($601) were lower than those of blacks ($647), whites ($829), and Asians ($965). By Educational Attainment: Full-time workers age 25 and over without a high school diploma had median weekly earnings of $499, compared with $678 for high school graduates (no college) and $1,210 for those holding at least a bachelor's degree. Among college graduates with advanced degrees (professional or master's degree and above), the highest earning 10 percent of male workers made $3,779 or more per week, compared with $2,412 or more for their female counterparts. 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. © 2015 Connecticut Human Resource Reports, LLC |
• U.S. Regional and State Employment and — June 2015
|
Unemployment: Regional and state unemployment rates were little changed in June.
Twenty-one states and the District of Columbia had unemployment rate
decreases from May, 12 states had increases, and 17 states had no change. Forty-two states and the District of Columbia had unemployment rate decreases from a year earlier, five states had increases, and three states had no change. Employment: 11 states had statistically significant over-the-month changes in employment, 7 of which were positive. The largest significant job gains occurred in New York (+25,500), Virginia (+13,400), and Colorado (+11,300). The significant job decreases occurred in Idaho (-4,800), West Virginia (-4,500), Alaska (-3,900), and Wyoming (-2,200). Over the year, 34 states had statistically significant changes in employment, all of which were positive. The largest significant over-the-year job increase occurred in California (+461,900), followed by Texas (+269,900) and Florida (+266,200). 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. © 2015 Connecticut Human Resource Reports, LLC |
• Connecticut Labor Situation — June 2015
|
Preliminary nonfarm employment numbers for Connecticut from the U.S. Bureau
of Labor Statistics’s establishment survey show the state added 600 jobs (0.04%) in June 2015, seasonally
adjusted. The state has now increased total nonfarm job levels by 27,000 (1.62%, 2,250 jobs per month) over the
year to 1,691,900. Connecticut’s private sector added 2,600 positions last month and has now increased job levels by 27,900 since June 2014 (1.96%, 2,325 jobs per month). May’s initially posted estimate of a nonfarm job increase of 6,400 (0.38%) was revised 500 positions lower to a 5,900 nonfarm jobs gain (0.35%). Connecticut’s unemployment rate, seasonally adjusted, was estimated at 5.7% in June 2015, down three-tenths of a percentage point from the revised May 2015 figure, according to the Local Area Unemployment Statistics (LAUS) model from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The state’s unemployment rate is lower by eight-tenths of a percentage point from June 2014 (6.5%). The number of Connecticut’s unemployed residents has declined by 13,414 (-11.0%) to 108,979 since June 2014. “Above trend private-sector job growth looks to be continuing, while the jobless rate has recently declined significantly,” said Andy Condon, Director of the Office of Research. Please visit this link to read the full report: CTDOLResearch 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. © 2015 Connecticut Human Resource Reports, LLC |
• U.S. Business Economists Say Economy Improving — July 2015
|
"The July 2015 NABE Business Conditions Survey report presents the responses of 112 NABE members and selected other industry economists to a survey on business conditions in their firms or industries conducted June 17-July 1, 2015, and reflects second-quarter 2015 results and the near-term outlook.
“The July 2015 Business Conditions Survey results show a majority of panelists expect solid growth for the remainder of 2015…. The panel reports markedly increased shortages in the July survey, especially of skilled labor…. Wages: “Close to half of the panel (49%) anticipates wages will increase in the next three months (compared to 51% in the January survey and 46% in the April survey). Only 2% of respondents expect their firms to reduce wages and salaries in the next three months, similar to the 1% who held that view in the April survey. Employment: “The share of survey respondents reporting increased employment at their businesses during the second quarter rose modestly to 36%, up from 35% in April and 34% in January. Falling employment was reported by a larger percentage of respondents than in April: 12% of the panel reported employment declined at their firms in the latest quarter compared to 7% in the previous survey. "Employment declines were more prevalent for goods producers (25%) and transportation, utilities, information, communications firms (17%) than for finance, insurance, real estate firms (9%) or services businesses (5%)...." Please visit this link to read the full report: NationalAssnBusinessEconomics 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. © 2015 Connecticut Human Resource Reports, LLC |
17 July 2015
• Workforce Analytics — 2015
| “Want to figure out what makes people successful in their job or why they quit?
”Use workforce analytics. ”A new report from the IBM Smarter Workforce Institute, Starting the Workforce Analytics Journey: The First 100 Days, details in 10 steps how to take 100 days to set up an analytically enabled HR function….” Please visit this link to read the full report: SHRM 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. |
URL: http://connecticuthumanresources.blogspot.com/
• U.S. Real Earnings – June 2015
|
Real average hourly earnings for all employees decreased 0.4 percent from May to June, seasonally adjusted. This result stems from no change in average hourly earnings being combined with a 0.3-percent increase in the Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers (CPI-U). Real average weekly earnings decreased 0.3 percent over the month due to the decrease in real average hourly earnings and no change in the average workweek. Real average hourly earnings increased 1.7 percent, seasonally adjusted, from June 2014 to June 2015. This increase in real average hourly earnings, combined with no change in the average workweek, resulted in a 1.8-percent increase in real average weekly earnings over this period. Please visit this link to read the full report: 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. 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. © 2015 Connecticut Human Resource Reports, LLC |
• U.S. Housing Starts — June 2015
|
BUILDING PERMITS: Privately-owned housing units authorized by building permits in June were at a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 1,343,000. This is 7.4
percent (±1.2%) above the revised May rate of 1,250,000 and is 30.0 percent (±2.3%) above the June 2014 estimate of 1,033,000.
Single-family authorizations in June were at a rate of 687,000; this is 0.9 percent (±1.1%)* above the revised May figure of 681,000. HOUSING STARTS: Privately-owned housing starts in June were at a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 1,174,000. This is 9.8 percent (±19.9%)* above the revised May estimate of 1,069,000 and is 26.6 percent (±19.6%) above the June 2014 rate of 927,000. Single-family housing starts in June were at a rate of 685,000; this is 0.9 percent (±11.5%)* below the revised May figure of 691,000. 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. © 2015 Connecticut Human Resource Reports, LLC |
• U.S. Consumer Price Indexes — June 2015
|
CPI-U: The Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers (CPI-U) increased 0.1 percent
over the last 12 months to an index level of 238.638 (1982-84=100). For the
month, the index rose 0.4 percent prior to seasonal adjustment.
CPI-W: The Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers (CPI-W) decreased 0.4 percent over the last 12 months to an index level of 233.804 (1982-84=100). For the month, the index rose 0.4 percent prior to seasonal adjustment. C-CPI-U: The Chained Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers (C-CPI-U) decreased 0.1 percent over the last 12 months to an index level of 136.288. For the month, the index rose 0.4 percent on a not seasonally adjusted basis. Please note that the indexes for the past 10 to 12 months are subject to revision. The Consumer Price Index for July 2015 is scheduled to be released on Wednesday, August 19, 2015, at 8:30 a.m. (EDT). 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. © 2015 Connecticut Human Resource Reports, LLC |
16 July 2015
• U.S. Initial Unemployment Claims — 11 July 2015
| In the week ending July 11, the advance figure for seasonally adjusted initial claims was 281,000, a decrease of 15,000
from the previous week's revised level. The previous week's level was revised down by 1,000 from 297,000 to 296,000.
The 4-week moving average was 282,500, an increase of 3,250 from the previous week's revised average. The previous week's average was revised down by 250 from 279,500 to 279,250. The advance seasonally adjusted insured unemployment rate was 1.6 percent for the week ending July 4, 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 July 4 was 2,215,000, a decrease of 112,000 from the previous week's revised level. The highest insured unemployment rates in the week ending June 27 were in Puerto Rico (3.5), Connecticut (2.6), New Jersey (2.6), Alaska (2.5), Pennsylvania (2.5), California (2.4), Nevada (2.2), West Virginia (2.2), Rhode Island (2.1), and Arkansas (2.0). The largest increases in initial claims for the week ending July 4 were in Michigan (+9,961), New York (+6,488), California (+5,714), Ohio (+3,190), and Missouri (+2,661), while the largest decreases were in New Jersey (-3,276), Texas (-2,405), Connecticut (-2,180), Maryland (-1,304), and South Carolina (-905). 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. © 2015 Connecticut Human Resource Reports, LLC URL: http://connecticuthumanresources.blogspot.com/ |
15 July 2015
• U.S. Average Gasoline Price Increases While Diesel Price Continues To Decline — 15 July 2015
 Diesel: The U.S. average price of diesel fuel decreased two cents from last week to $2.81 per gallon, $1.08 per gallon lower than the same time last year. Prices declined in all regions except the Rocky Mountain region where a marginal increase left the price virtually unchanged at $2.79 per gallon. The largest decline came on the West Coast where the price fell three cents to $3.04 per gallon. The East Coast and Midwest prices both decreased two cents to $2.92 per gallon and $2.70 per gallon, respectively. On the Gulf Coast, the price dropped by less than half a cent, remaining at $2.71 per gallon. Please visit this link to read the full report: USEnergyInformationAdmnistration 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. © 2015 Connecticut Human Resource Reports, LLC |
• U.S. Industrial Production & Capacity Utilization — June 2015
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Industrial production increased 0.3 percent in June but fell at an annual rate of 1.4 percent for the second quarter of 2015. In June, manufacturing output was unchanged: The output of motor vehicles and parts fell 3.7 percent, but production elsewhere in manufacturing rose 0.3 percent. The indexes for mining and utilities advanced 1.0 percent and 1.5 percent, respectively. At 105.7 percent of its 2007 average, total industrial production in June was 1.5 percent above its year-earlier level. Capacity utilization for the industrial sector increased 0.2 percentage point in June to 78.4 percent, a rate that is 1.7 percentage points below its long-run (1972–2014) average. Please visit this link to read the full report: FederalReserve 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. © 2015 Connecticut Human Resource Reports, LLC |
• U.S. DOL Issues FLSA Interpretation Re Employees Who Are Misclassified as Independent Contractors — 15 July 2015
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“Misclassification of employees as independent contractors is found in an increasing number of workplaces in the United States, in part reflecting larger restructuring of business organizations. When employers improperly classify employees as independent contractors, the employees may not receive important workplace protections such as the minimum wage, overtime compensation, unemployment insurance, and workers’ compensation.
”Misclassification also results in lower tax revenues for government and an uneven playing field for employers who properly classify their workers. Although independent contracting relationships can be advantageous for workers and businesses, some employees may be intentionally misclassified as a means to cut costs and avoid compliance with labor laws. ”The Department of Labor’s Wage and Hour Division (WHD) continues to receive numerous complaints from workers alleging misclassification, and the Department continues to bring successful enforcement actions….” Please visit this link to read the full report: USDOL-WHD 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. © 2015 Connecticut Human Resource Reports, LLC |
• U.S. Producer Price Indexes — June 2015
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The Producer Price Index for final demand advanced 0.4 percent in June, seasonally adjusted. Final demand prices rose 0.5 percent in May and
declined 0.4 percent in April. On an unadjusted basis, the final demand index moved down 0.7
percent for the 12 months ended in June, the fifth straight 12-month decrease.
In June, nearly two-thirds of the increase in the final demand index can be attributed to prices for final demand goods, which rose 0.7 percent. The index for final demand services advanced 0.3 percent. 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. © 2015 Connecticut Human Resource Reports, LLC |
14 July 2015
• U.S. Manufacturing and Trade Inventories and Sales— May 2015
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Sales: The combined value of distributive trade sales and manufacturers’ shipments for
May, adjusted for seasonal and trading-day differences but not for price changes, was estimated at $1,323.6 billion, up 0.4 percent
(±0.2%) from April 2015, but was down 2.2 percent (±0.4%) from May 2014.
Inventories: Manufacturers’ and trade inventories, adjusted for seasonal variations but not for price changes, were estimated at an end-of-month level of $1,797.8 billion, up 0.3 percent (±0.1%) from April 2015 and were up 2.4 percent (±0.5%) from May 2014. Inventories/Sales Ratio: The total business inventories/sales ratio based on seasonally adjusted data at the end of May was 1.36. The May 2014 ratio was 1.30….” 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. © 2015 Connecticut Human Resource Reports, LLC |
• U.S. Advance Monthly Sales for Retail and Food Services — June 2015
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U.S. retail and food services sales for June, adjusted for seasonal variation and
holiday and trading-day differences, but not for price changes, were $442.0 billion, a decrease of 0.3 percent (±0.5%) from the previous month, but up
1.4 percent (±0.9%) above June 2014. Total sales for the April 2015 through June 2015 period were up 1.7 percent (±0.7%) from the same period a year ago. The April 2015 to May 2015 percent change was revised from +1.2 percent (±0.5%) to +1.0 percent (±0.3%). ….” 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. © 2015 Connecticut Human Resource Reports, LLC |
• The New FLSA Regulations: What Changed, What's Next For Employers— July 2015
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“On June 30, the Department of Labor’s Wage & Hour Division (WHD) announced its long-awaited proposal to amend the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) regulations and, in particular, the regulations governing the "white collar" exemption for executive, administrative, and professional employees.
”This comprehensive summary outlines what changes were made in the proposed FLSA regulations, what it means for employers, and what employers should do now in response to the DOL’s announcement….” Please visit this link to read the full report: HR.BLR.com 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. © 2015 Connecticut Human Resource Reports, LLC |
13 July 2015
• U.S. Average Gasoline & Diesel Prices — 08 July 2015
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Gasoline: The U.S. average retail price for regular gasoline decreased one cent from the previous week to $2.79 per gallon as of July 6, 2015, 89 cents per gallon less than the same time last year. The Rocky Mountain price increased to $2.81 per gallon, two cents more than last week, while the Gulf Coast price was down two cents to $2.52 per gallon. The East Coast and West Coast prices both fell one cent to $2.72 per gallon and $3.30 per gallon, respectively. The Midwest price was unchanged from last week at $2.74 per gallon.
Diesel: The U.S. average price of diesel fuel decreased one cent from last week to $2.83 per gallon, $1.08 per gallon lower than the same time last year. The Rocky Mountain price increased one cent to $2.79 per gallon, while the West Coast price remained virtually unchanged at $3.07 per gallon. The Gulf Coast and East Coast prices were each down two cents to $2.71 per gallon and $2.94 per gallon, respectively, while the Midwest price fell one cent to $2.72 per gallon. Please visit this link to read the full report: USEnergyInformationAgency 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. © 2015 Connecticut Human Resource Reports, LLC |
• U.S. Treasury Balance — June 2015
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The Wall Street Journal says, “The Treasury's budget came in at an expected surplus of $51.8 billion in June. Now nine months into the government's fiscal year, the budget deficit stands at $313.4 billion which is a very solid 14.3 percent below this time last year.
"Total receipts are up 8.3 percent year-to-date with tax receipts very strong, up 11.6 percent year-to-date for individual taxes and up 8.7 percent for corporate taxes. The spending side is up 5.1 year-to-date with Medicare up 8.0 percent and defense down 1.7 percent….” Please visit this link to see the Treasury Department statement: MothlyTreasuryStatment 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. © 2015 Connecticut Human Resource Reports, LLC |
10 July 2015
• U.S. Wholesale Trade: Sales and Inventories — MAY 2015
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Sales: May 2015 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 $449.8 billion, up 0.3
percent (+/-0.5) from the revised April level, but were down 3.8 percent (+/-1.2%) from the May 2014 level.
Inventories: Total inventories of merchant wholesalers, except manufacturers’ sales branches and offices, after adjustment for seasonal variations but not for price changes, were $581.9 billion at the end of May, up 0.8 percent (+/-0.4%) from the revised April level and were up 5.0 percent (+/-1.4%) from the May 2014 level. Inventories/Sales Ratio: The May inventories/sales ratio for merchant wholesalers, except manufacturers’ sales branches and offices, based on seasonally adjusted data, was 1.29. The May 2014 ratio was 1.19.….” 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. © 2015 Connecticut Human Resource Reports, LLC |
09 July 2015
• U.S. Hiring Takes 22.9 Days
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“One possibility is that slower hiring times are actually good for companies. After all, more careful screening of job seekers may lead to better matches with candidates, especially for complex jobs that require hard-to-observe skills like creativity and judgment. Perhaps those longer hiring delays are simply a reflection of our economy’s shift toward high-skilled jobs in tech, health care and professional services.
”On the other hand, there’s evidence that some hiring delays are probably wasteful….” Please visit this link to read the full report: GlassdoorEconomicResearch 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. © 2015 Connecticut Human Resource Reports, LLC |
• U.S. Initial Unemployment Claims — 04 July 2015
| In the week ending July 4, the advance figure for seasonally adjusted initial claims was 297,000, an increase of 15,000
from the previous week's revised level and down 3.3% from the same week a year ago. The previous week's level was revised up by 1,000 from 281,000 to 282,000. The 4-week moving average was 279,500, an increase of 4,500 from the previous week's revised average. The previous week's average was revised up by 250 from 274,750 to 275,000. The advance seasonally adjusted insured unemployment rate was 1.7 percent for the week ending June 27, unchanged from the previous week's unrevised rate. The advance number for seasonally adjusted insured unemployment during the week ending June 27 was 2,334,000, an increase of 69,000 from the previous week's revised level. The highest insured unemployment rates in the week ending June 20 were in Puerto Rico (3.4), Alaska (2.6), Pennsylvania (2.5), New Jersey (2.4), Connecticut (2.3), Nevada (2.3), California (2.2), West Virginia (2.2), Arkansas (2.0), and Illinois (2.0). The largest increases in initial claims for the week ending June 27 were in New Jersey (+7,013), Massachusetts (+2,989), California (+2,930), Connecticut (+2,648), and New York (+1,563), while the largest decreases were in Pennsylvania (- 4,380), Wisconsin (-1,925), Florida (-1,626), Arkansas (-722), and Nevada (-562). 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. © 2015 Connecticut Human Resource Reports, LLC URL: http://connecticuthumanresources.blogspot.com/ |
• U.S. Help-Wanted Advertising — June 2015
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“Online advertised vacancies fell 144,300 to 5,300,700 in June, according to The Conference
Board Help Wanted OnLine® (HWOL) Data Series, released today. The May Supply/Demand rate stands at 1.59
unemployed for each advertised vacancy with a total of 3.2 million more unemployed workers than the number of
advertised vacancies.
“’The first half of 2015 shows moderate growth with a strong first quarter partially offset by a weak second quarter,’ said Gad Levanon, Managing Director, Macroeconomic and Labor Market Research. ‘Overall employer demand for labor still continues at a very high level….’” Please visit this link to read the full report: TheConferenceBoard 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. © 2015 Connecticut Human Resource Reports, LLC |
08 July 2015
• U.S. Federal Government Worker Absentee-Rates Topped the List at 4.2% in 2014
Absences from work of 106 million U.S. employed full-time wage and salary workers averaged 2.9% during 2014.
 By Industry: At the top of the list, with average absenteeism of 4.2%...wait for it…workers in the U.S. federal government. Our tax dollars at work once again to provide them with sick pay, no doubt. By Occupation: With average absenteeism of 4.6%: Healthcare support workers. 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. © 2015 Connecticut Human Resource Reports, LLC |
• U.S. Average Retail Gasoline and Diesel Fuel Prices — 29 June 2015
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Diesel Fuel: The U.S. average price of diesel fuel decreased two cents from the week prior to $2.84 per gallon, a $1.08 per gallon lower than the same time last year. The West Coast and Gulf Coast prices each fell three cents to $3.07 per gallon and $2.73 per gallon, respectively. The Rocky Mountain and Midwest price both decreased two cents to $2.78 per gallon, and $2.73 per gallon, respectively. The East Coast price was down one cent to $2.95 per gallon.... Please visit this link to read the full report: USEnergyInformationAdministration 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. © 2015 Connecticut Human Resource Reports, LLC |
07 July 2015
• U.S. Job Openings, Hires, Turnover, Quits — May 2015
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There were 5.430 million job openings [all data NSA] on the last business day of May, up 17% from the same month a year ago; the job openings rate was 3.7%. Hires were 5.597 million in May, up 3% from May 2014; the hires rate was 3.9%. Total separations were 4.689 million up 3% in the last 12 months. This yielded a “turnover” rate of 3.3% for the month…an annual equivalent of 39.6%. Within total separations, the 2.748 million quits [up 7%] yielded a quit rate of 1.9% percent and 1.554 million layoffs and discharges [down 1.8%] yielded a rate of 1.1%. [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: 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. © 2015 Connecticut Human Resource Reports, LLC |
• U.S. Balance of Trade — May 2015
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The goods and services deficit was $41.9 billion in May, up $1.2 billion from $40.7 billion in April, revised.
May exports were $188.6 billion, $1.5 billion less than April exports. May imports were $230.5 billion, $0.3 billion less than April imports. 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. © 2015 Connecticut Human Resource Reports, LLC |
04 July 2015
• Connecticut Public Act 15-196 [HB6850]— Effective October 1, 2015
• Bottom Line: You can't discipline employees for talking about pay.This bill prohibits employers, including the state and municipalities, from taking certain steps to limit their employees' ability to share information about their wages. Under the bill, such sharing consists of employees under the same employer (1) disclosing or discussing the amount of their own wages or other employees' voluntarily disclosed wages or (2) asking about other employees' wages. Specifically, the bill bans employers from (1) prohibiting their employees from such sharing; (2) requiring employees to sign a waiver or document that denies their right to such sharing; and (3) discharging, disciplining, discriminating or retaliating against, or otherwise penalizing employees for such sharing. The bill allows employees to bring a lawsuit to redress a violation of its provisions in any court of competent jurisdiction. The suit must be brought within two years after an alleged violation. Employers can be found liable for compensatory damages, attorney's fees and costs, punitive damages, and any legal and equitable relief the court deems just and proper. House Amendment “A” limits an employee's sharing of another employee's wage information to information that (1) is about another of the employer's employees and (2) was voluntarily disclosed by the other employee. Under the bill, an employer is any individual, corporation, limited liability company, firm, partnership, voluntary association, joint stock association, the state and any of its political subdivisions, and any public corporation in the state with at least one paid employee. Wages are compensation for an employee's labor or services, regardless of whether they are determined by time, task, piece, commission, or other basis of calculation. The bill specifies that it does not require an employer or employee to disclose any employee's wages. NOTE: The analysis provided here may not be based on the ultimate language of the new Public Act as the legislature may have fiddled with it in the final stages of the law’s passage. A final copy of the language of the law can be found at PA15-196. 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.. © 2015 Connecticut Human Resource Reports, LLC |
03 July 2015
• U.S. Auto Sales — June 2015
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“Auto companies today reported their sales results for June – and as projected, Americans continued to flock to new-car dealerships with wide-open checkbooks; total new-car sales for the first six months haven’t been higher since 2005….
”Most important, get ready for new-age sticker shock: the average price of all new vehicles sold in June was $33,340 – an all-time record for the month….” Please visit this link to read the full report: Forbes 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. © 2015 Connecticut Human Resource Reports, LLC |
02 July 2015
• U.S. Factory Orders — May 2015
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New orders for manufactured goods in May, down
nine of the last ten months, decreased $4.5 billion or 1.0
percent to $470.5 billion, the U.S. Census Bureau
reported today. This followed a 0.7 percent April
decrease.
Shipments, down two consecutive months, decreased 0.3 billion or 0.1 percent to $482.1 billion. This followed a virtually unchanged April decrease. Unfilled orders, down five of the last six months, decreased $6.4 billion or 0.5 percent to $1,194.6 billion. This followed a 0.2 percent April decrease. The unfilled orders-to-shipments ratio was 6.98, unchanged from April. Inventories, up three of the last four months, increased $0.1 billion or virtually unchanged to $649.7 billion. This followed a 0.2 percent April increase. The inventories-to-shipments ratio was 1.35, unchanged from April. 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. © 2015 Connecticut Human Resource Reports, LLC |
• 409 To Die On Highways This Weekend
• Please don't be one of them.
 ”The holiday period falls on a weekend – from 6 p.m., Thursday, July 2 to 11:59 p.m., Sunday, July 5 – and summer weekends are especially deadly. Six of the 10 deadliest nights of 2013 were Saturday nights in the summer….” Please visit this link to read the full article: NationalSafetyCouncil |
• U.S. Initial Unemployment Claims — 27 June 2015
| In the week ending June 27, the advance figure for seasonally adjusted initial claims was 281,000, an increase of 10,000
from the previous week's unrevised level of 271,000. The 4-week moving average was 274,750, an increase of 1,000 from the previous week's unrevised average of 273,750. The advance seasonally adjusted insured unemployment rate was 1.7 percent for the week ending June 20, unchanged from the previous week's unrevised rate. The advance number for seasonally adjusted insured unemployment during the week ending June 20 was 2,264,000, an increase of 15,000 from the previous week's revised level. The highest insured unemployment rates in the week ending June 13 were in Puerto Rico (3.5), Alaska (2.9), New Jersey (2.4), California (2.3), Pennsylvania (2.3), Connecticut (2.2), Nevada (2.2), the Virgin Islands (2.2), West Virginia (2.2), and Arkansas (2.0). The largest increases in initial claims for the week ending June 20 were in New Jersey (+3,983), California (+2,185), Connecticut (+1,545), Maryland (+1,447), and Michigan (+1,391), while the largest decreases were in Pennsylvania (- 2,525), Illinois (-815), Georgia (-790), Florida (-688), and Puerto Rico (-629). 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. © 2015 Connecticut Human Resource Reports, LLC URL: http://connecticuthumanresources.blogspot.com/ |
• U.S. Employment Situation — June 2015
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Total nonfarm payroll employment increased by 223,000 in June, and the unemployment
rate declined to 5.3 percent.
Job gains occurred in professional and business services, health care, retail trade,
financial activities, and in transportation and warehousing.
The unemployment rate declined by 0.2 percentage point to 5.3 percent in June, and the number of unemployed persons declined by 375,000 to 8.3 million. Among the major worker groups, the unemployment rates for adult men (4.8 percent), adult women (4.8 percent), and blacks (9.5 percent) edged down in June, while the rates for teenagers (18.1 percent), whites (4.6 percent), Asians (3.8 percent), and Hispanics (6.6 percent) showed little change. The average workweek for all employees on private nonfarm payrolls was 34.5 hours in June for the fourth month in a row. The manufacturing workweek for all employees edged down by 0.1 hour to 40.7 hours, and factory overtime edged up by 0.1 hour to 3.4 hours. The average workweek for production and nonsupervisory employees on private nonfarm payrolls was unchanged at 33.6 hours. In June, average hourly earnings for all employees on private nonfarm payrolls were unchanged at $24.95. Over the year, average hourly earnings have risen by 2.0 percent. Average hourly earnings of private-sector production and nonsupervisory employees edged up by 2 cents to $20.99 in June. 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. © 2015 Connecticut Human Resource Reports, LLC |
01 July 2015
• U.S. Metropolitan Area Employment And Unemployment — May 2015
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Unemployment rates were lower in May than a year earlier in 346 of the 387
metropolitan areas, higher in 36 areas, and unchanged in 5 areas. Twelve areas had jobless rates
of less than 3.0 percent and nine areas had rates of at least 10.0 percent.
. 319 metropolitan areas had over-the-year increases in nonfarm payroll employment, 63 had decreases, and 5 had no change. The largest over-the-year employment increases occurred in Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, Calif. (+151,200), New York-Newark-Jersey City, N.Y.-N.J.-Pa. (+139,800), and Dallas- Fort Worth-Arlington, Texas (+110,500). The largest over-the-year percentage gain in employment occurred in Provo-Orem, Utah (+6.7 percent), followed by Odessa, Texas (+6.1 percent), and Lake Charles, La., and Midland, Texas (+6.0 percent each). 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. © 2015 Connecticut Human Resource Reports, LLC |
• U.S. Construction Spending — May 2015
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“Construction spending during May 2015
was estimated at a seasonally adjusted annual rate of $1,035.8 billion, 0.8 percent (±1.5%) above the revised April
estimate of $1,027.0 billion. The May figure is 8.2 percent (±2.0%) above the May 2014 estimate of $957.6 billion.
”During the first 5 months of this year, construction spending amounted to $382.1 billion, 5.9 percent (±1.5%) above the $360.8 billion for the same period in 2014….” 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. © 2015 Connecticut Human Resource Reports, LLC |
• U.S. Purchasing Managers Say Economy Still Expanding — June 2015
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“Economic activity in the manufacturing sector expanded in June for the 30th consecutive month, and the overall economy grew for the 73rd consecutive month, say the nation’s supply executives in the latest Manufacturing ISM® Report On Business®.”
Please visit this link to read the full report: InstituteForSupply Management 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. © 2015 Connecticut Human Resource Reports, LLC |
• U.S. DOL Issues NPRM Changing Overtime Exemption Protocols
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“After more than 15 months of waiting, the U.S. Department of Labor has issued a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (“NPRM”) announcing the Department’s intention to shrink dramatically the pool of employees who qualify for exempt status under the Fair Labor Standards Act.
”Despite its length, the 295-page NPRM, released June contains few specific changes to existing DOL regulations: more than doubling the salary threshold for the executive, administrative, and professional exemptions from $455 a week currently to $921 a week (with a plan to increase that number to $970 a week in the final version of the regulation), as well as raising the pay thresholds for certain other exemptions, and building in room for future annual increases. More ominously, the Department invites comment on a host of other issues. This opens the door to many further significant revisions to the regulations in a Final Rule after the Department reviews the public’s comments to the NPRM.” Please visit this link to read the full report: JacksonLewis A copy of the complete NPRM is here: USDOL 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. © 2015 Connecticut Human Resource Reports, LLC |
• ADP U.S. National Employment Report — June 2015
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ADP says U.S. nonfarm private sector employment increased by 237,000 jobs in June. Please visit this link to read the full report: ADP Research Institute According to ADP, “…the ADP National Employment Report is designed to align with the final revised BLS numbers, and not those that are first reported…. The BLS revises its employment data several times: In the two subsequent months after the initial release…. Because our data is [sic] based on actual live payroll data, we believe our number will most closely correlate with—and should be compared with—the final revised BLS numbers when all of the data from the survey respondents has [sic] been incorporated.” 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. © 2015 Connecticut Human Resource Reports, LLC |