Employment news covering jobs reports, unemployment rates, wage growth, hiring trends, and labor market conditions.
UK companies are increasingly hiring temporary workers instead of permanent staff due to low economic confidence and cost pressures, per a KPMG/REC report. Permanent recruitment fell at the fastest rate in 10 months in May, with political turbulence and the Middle East conflict cited as factors. The survey is watched by the Bank of England.
Teen unemployment (ages 16-19) rose to 14.7% in May 2026, up from 13.4% a year earlier and 14.4% in April. Outplacement firm Challenger, Gray & Christmas predicts summer jobs for teens will fall to the lowest pace on record, citing inflation, AI, and older workers staying in the workforce.
This commentary argues that high economic inactivity in Birmingham suburbs stems from deindustrialization, lack of accessible jobs, and health barriers. It contends that despite nearby employers, structural issues like transport and skills gaps persist, and highlights pilot schemes like WorkWell as potential solutions.
This commentary argues that job seekers can improve their chances by tailoring CVs to job descriptions and networking with professionals in desired roles. It presents examples of individuals who secured jobs after adopting these strategies, suggesting that personalized applications and proactive outreach are effective in a competitive market.
Ford Motor CEO Jim Farley says a nationwide shortage of about 5,000 mechanics at its dealerships is driving up labor costs and delaying repairs. The gap has narrowed from a couple of years ago but remains significant.
Nonfarm payrolls surged by 172,000 in May, far exceeding the 85,000 consensus estimate. The unemployment rate held steady at 4.3%, while March and April figures were revised up by a combined 93,000. Traders fully priced in a Federal Reserve interest-rate hike by the end of 2026, with two-year Treasury yields jumping eight basis points to 4.12%.
This commentary argues that the strong jobs report should not prompt the Federal Reserve to raise interest rates, contending that rate hikes would stifle investments needed to lower prices. It suggests that the concept of an 'overheating' economy is a flawed metaphor used to justify restraining growth.
U.S. stocks fell sharply on Friday after a stronger-than-expected May jobs report dashed hopes for an interest rate cut. The Dow dropped nearly 700 points and the S&P 500 fell 2.7%. The U.S. added 172,000 jobs, more than double analyst predictions, raising the possibility of a Fed rate hike.
This commentary argues that the EU's Pay Transparency Directive, aimed at reducing the gender pay gap, faces significant implementation delays across member states. It contends that most countries will miss the June 2026 deadline, with six having taken no action, potentially costing women billions annually. The piece suggests that uncertainty and administrative burdens are hindering progress.
Canada's unemployment rate dropped to 6.6% in May 2026, down from 6.9% in April and below forecasts. The economy added 88,000 jobs, the strongest month since December 2024. BMO economist Benjamin Reitzes said the report 'should silence the recession crowd.'