CWRI

Each month estimates from two surveys provide the most current indications of workforce conditions. The Current Population Survey, often referred to as the “household survey,” is the primary source for estimates of unemployment and labor force participation of the population. The Current Employment Statistics “payroll survey” is the source for estimates of the number of jobs in many nonfarm industries.  In March of each year, estimates from those programs are revised based on lagging but more complete data. Compared to previously published estimates, revised data for 2019 and 2020 indicates that: Unemployment was lower for most months Labor force participation was higher in 2019 and early 2020, before the pandemic disrupted labor market activity, and mostly lower for the remainder of the year The number of nonfarm payroll jobs was slightly higher in 2019 and early 2020, and significantly higher for much of the rest of the year Data cited in this brief is seasonally adjusted.  Unem

Our recent Employment Outlook article focused on how an aging population is constraining the size of the labor force in Maine. Though a small decrease in employment is expected for the period from 2018 to 2028, over 75,000 job openings are projected each year. This article focuses on the number and rate of openings that are expected among occupations and how the structure of employment is expected to continue to gradually shift. Changes in demand for goods and services and in the competitive landscape cause employment to rise in some companies and industries and decline in others. This impacts the level of demand for workers among occupations. Rising or declining employment in banks, for example, impacts demand for tellers and loan officers. At the same time, the occupational distribution of jobs within industries continually shifts as technology and work processes evolve and alter how functions are accomplished. Returning to our banking example, the shift to more transactions process