Struggling Economy Continues to Impact America’s Jobless

Several new reports show that the struggling economy is having a terrible impact on America’s Jobless. The news comes at the same time that Rasmussen Reports revealed some troubling survey results. According to a new poll, only 14% of Americans say their company is hiring – the lowest number since February.

The survey also revealed that 31% of Americans are concerned about losing their job, which is the highest response all year.

A new story published today in USA Today reports that unemployed Americans are looking for work as day laborers as the job market continues to struggle. Communities seeing a noticeable increase include Tuscon, Ariz., Arlington, Va., and Los Angeles, Calif. The articles says that the percentage of natives looking for daily work has doubled since 2006.

“We’re seeing people who hadn’t come to our center before who are legally here and U.S. citizens, and who are skilled workers and can’t find work,” said Andres Tobar, director of the Shirlington Employment and Education Center in Arlington.

New reports also show fear in the Black community where Black Americans are concerned that progress made over the last several years will be lost during the current job recession. A story published by MSNBC reports that the manufacturing sector has taking the brunt of the job cuts over the last year, which has served as the main bridge for Black Americans trying to work their way into the middle class.

“The erosion of earnings of African-Americans in this recession is another real consequence that’s hitting the middle class,” said Ronald Mincy, a professor at the Columbia University School of Social Work.

The unemployment level among Black Americans in October was 15.7%, 5.5 points higher than the national average.

For more information, see the articles in USA Today and MSNBC, and read Roy’s recent blog on the current job shortage.