From WSJopinion: The Labor Department reported a record 9.3 million job openings in April as businesses say they’re desperate for workers and federal unemployment subsidies continue
Businesses nearly everywhere in America say they’re desperate for workers, and the latest statistical evidence is the Labor Department’s Jolts report Tuesday of a record 9.3 million job openings in April. Get the message, Congress?
The Jolts survey has never shown more openings since Labor began keeping track in 2000. Job openings increased 998,000 in April, including 391,000 in leisure and hospitality, 108,000 in trade and transportation and 102,000 in manufacturing as more states lifted Covid-19 restrictions. Yet new hires increased by a mere 69,000. Employers filled about one in 15 new positions.
The mismatch between labor supply and demand was especially acute in construction, where hires declined by 107,000 even as job openings increased by 23,000. Manufacturing job openings increased by 102,000 while hires fell 38,000. Worker shortages are contributing to supply-chain bottlenecks and higher prices for businesses and consumers.
A Chamber of Commerce survey last week found that 90.5% of companies said a lack of available workers was slowing the economy in their area, which was twice as many as cited pandemic issues. The American Hotel & Lodging Association reported that 96% of its respondents had open positions, but most pay less than sitting on the couch collecting enhanced subsidies for not working.
The Biden Administration chalks up the slow jobs rebound to lack of child care or fear of Covid. But Covid has been subsiding fast due to vaccines. Far more schools were open in April than in December, so more parents should also be able to return to work.
Canada Latest News, Canada Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Experts Warn Climate-Related Food Shortages May Require Bugs To Overcome Taboos Against Eating AmericansCAMBRIDGE—In a stark reminder of the future realities of a warming planet, scientists at Harvard University issued a warning Tuesday that climate-related food shortages may require bugs to overcome longstanding taboos against eating Americans. “We know that the prospect is unpleasant or even disgusting to some insects…
Read more »
Senate approves expansive bill to boost U.S. competitiveness with ChinaSenate approves sweeping bill to boost U.S. competitiveness with China and address critical semiconductor shortage.
Read more »
People Are Really Mad About the New Balenciaga Crocs, but I'm Not Afraid of an Ugly ShoeThe internet has some strong opinions about the new Balenciaga x Crocs collaboration.
Read more »
Covid-19: Jabs for England's over-25s and a pandemic shortage of summer goodsFive things you need to know about the coronavirus pandemic this Monday evening.
Read more »
Goldman Sachs says disruptions from the chip shortage should diminish in the second half of 2021The worst may soon be over when it comes to disruptions stemming from the global chip shortage, according to Goldman Sachs' chief Asia economist, Andrew Tilton.
Read more »