Labor Force Participation Rate Update
Tracking the participation rate for various age groups monthly is a little like watching grass grow, but the trends are important.
If the Civilian noninstitutional population (over 16 years old) grows by about 2 million per year – and the participation rate stays flat – the economy will need to add about 100 thousand jobs per month to keep the unemployment rate steady at 8.8%.
If the population grows faster (say 2.5 million per year), and/or the participation rate rises, it could take significantly more jobs per month to hold the unemployment rate steady. As an example, if the working age population grows 2.5 million per year and the participation rate rises to 65% (from 64.2%) over the next two years, the economy will need to add 200 thousand jobs per month to hold the unemployment rate steady.
That is why forecasting the participation rate is important – and why reports of the number of jobs needed to hold the unemployment rate steady are all over the place (and can be very confusing – and I’m guilty of using different numbers).
Click on graph for larger image in graph gallery.
Here is a repeat of the graph showing the participation rate, unemployment rate, and employment-to-population ratio.
The Labor Force Participation Rate was unchanged at 64.2% in March (blue line). This is the lowest level since the early ’80s. This is the percentage of the working age population in the labor force.
Here is a look at some the long term trends (updating graphs through March 2011):
This graph shows the changes in the participation rates for men and women since 1960 (in the 25 to 54 age group – the prime working years).
The participation rate for women increased significantly from the mid 30s to the mid 70s and has mostly flattened out. The participation rate for men has decreased from the high 90s to 88.7% in March 2011. (down slightly from February)
There will probably be some “bounce back” for both men and women (some of the recent decline is probably cyclical), but the long term trend for men is down.
Keep on reading: Stock Market News
Anyone can join.
Anyone can contribute.
Anyone can become informed about their world.
"United We Stand" Click Here To Create Your Personal Citizen Journalist Account Today, Be Sure To Invite Your Friends.
Please Help Support BeforeitsNews by trying our Natural Health Products below!
Order by Phone at 888-809-8385 or online at https://mitocopper.com M - F 9am to 5pm EST
Order by Phone at 866-388-7003 or online at https://www.herbanomic.com M - F 9am to 5pm EST
Order by Phone at 866-388-7003 or online at https://www.herbanomics.com M - F 9am to 5pm EST
Humic & Fulvic Trace Minerals Complex - Nature's most important supplement! Vivid Dreams again!
HNEX HydroNano EXtracellular Water - Improve immune system health and reduce inflammation.
Ultimate Clinical Potency Curcumin - Natural pain relief, reduce inflammation and so much more.
MitoCopper - Bioavailable Copper destroys pathogens and gives you more energy. (See Blood Video)
Oxy Powder - Natural Colon Cleanser! Cleans out toxic buildup with oxygen!
Nascent Iodine - Promotes detoxification, mental focus and thyroid health.
Smart Meter Cover - Reduces Smart Meter radiation by 96%! (See Video).