Unemployment Coverage

Every month, economists expect the labor market to slow. Will it ever?

Almost every month, economists expect the hot US labor market to start showing signs of exhaustion. Instead, it plows forward full steam ahead.

By Elisabeth Buchwald, CNN

Applications for US jobless benefits fall again as labor market powers on

The number of Americans applying for jobless benefits fell to its lowest level in five weeks, even as more high-profile companies announce layoffs.

Macy’s Plans to Cut 2,350 Jobs and Close 5 Stores

Macy’s, the country’s largest department store operator, told employees Thursday that it was laying off 13% of its corporate workforce. The move comes as the company prepares to unveil a new strategy that will be overseen by its incoming chief executive.

Jordyn Holman, New York Times

'In a good place:' Number of people working in NC hits another record high

The number of people working across North Carolina set a record of nearly 5.1 million in November, according to the N.C. Department of Commerce, putting the state's economy "in a good place," says N.C. State economist Dr. Mike Walden.

What's the state of the jobs market? Big report coming Friday

Employers are growing more cautious, pulling down some job postings and reining in hiring. Employees are sticking around more and not bouncing as readily for better opportunities. Welcome to the wait-and-see job market.

Unemployment claims hit 3-month high as economy shows signs of cooling

Applications for unemployment benefits rose by 13,000 to 231,000 for the week ending Nov. 11, the Labor Department reported Thursday. That's the most in three months.

Layoffs coming in Fayetteville: Distribution, warehousing operation is closing

New layoffs are coming to Fayetteville when a distribution and warehouse center operated by Danson's closes.

NC's division of employment security had 5-year run of improper payments

After more than a million North Carolinians struggled with long delays in receiving their unemployment benefits, state legislators are seeking answers on what went wrong and how to fix the problems in the future.

'Very positive' jobs picture likely means a slowdown pushed 'well into 2024,' economist says

Employment is improving not only in the state's 15 metro areas but also in 98 of 100 counties, new data show. And N.C. State economist Dr. Mike Walden says data for September is "very positive" while the possibility exists for a continuing "robust" jobs environment.

'Hard but necessary steps:' Charles Schwab lays off about 2,000 employees

Charles Schwab has laid off about 5% to 6% of its employees, amounting to roughly 2,000 people, as it looks to cut costs.

Long waits, improper payments: NC lawmakers examine problems in COVID-era unemployment benefits

Years after more than 1 million North Carolinians struggled with long delays in receiving their unemployment benefits during the COVID-19 pandemic, state legislators are seeking answers on what went wrong and how to fix the problems in the future.

Will Doran, WRAL state government reporter

Economist: Latest NC employment news triggers warning signals

Overall, the September labor market report for North Carolina was positive, but there are some warning signals. So says N.C. State economist Dr. Mike Walden. What's his analysis? Recession ahead?

NC paper mill workers face layoffs - the latest in job cuts at paper, furniture, meat & textile firms

International Paper, which supplies about 20% of all paper in the United States, said Wednesday it would close one of its two pulp machines near Wilmington, and lay off 200 workers. The cuts are the latest to hit North Carolina paper, textile, furniture and meat plants.

Jobs data due Friday could be hot or cold - here's a look at expectations

Closely watched economic data released earlier this week indicate that Friday’s jobs report could come in hot or perhaps frigidly cold. Let's take a look at what's happening.

Unemployment claims drop to eight-month low

U.S. applications for unemployment benefits fell to their lowest level in eight months last week as the labor market continues to show strength in the face of elevated interest rates. Here are the details.

Just how strong is job market? Unemployment claims drop but new report shows 300,000 fewer jobs created

Applications for unemployment benefits fell again last week as America's labor market continues to hum along despite attempts by the Federal Reserve to cool the economy and bring down inflation that's still higher than optimal. However other data shows the US created fewer jobs - more than 300,000 - than reported earlier. Here's a look at what's happening.

NC 'economic beat goes on' - record number of people working climbs higher

North Carolina’s record for the number of people keeps climbing, with 13,000 jobs added in July to the more than 5 million reported in June. While the unemployment rate reported Friday remains at 3.3%, the state’s economy keeps creating more opportunities despite challenges of inflation and some layoffs that keep happening.

Unemployment claims drop again in US, feds report

The U.S. labor market continues to flex its muscle as applications for jobless claims fell again last week and remain at healthy levels in the face of high interest rates and inflation.

Unemployment claims drop; analysts expect 200,000 new jobs in July report

Jobless benefit applications are seen as a proxy for the number of layoffs in a given week. Thursday's report comes just a day before the July jobs report will be released, which will provide a broader and more detailed look at the labor market and economy.

Economic muscle: Overall growth accelerates; jobless benefits decline

The number of Americans applying for jobless benefits slid last week to its lowest level in five months, further evidence that the U.S. labor market continues to defy the Federal Reserve's attempts to cool it off.

More people working in NC than ever before - unemployment drops to 3.3%

Unemployment in North Carolina dropped in June to its lowest level since the pandemic - 3.3% - with 14,000 people finding jobs and the unemployed ranks declining more than 3,000. In fact, more people are working statewide than ever, points out N.C. State economist Dr. Mike Walden, and he sees the new report as one packing "positive signs."

Fact check: Did Biden set a modern record for low unemployment rates?

In what the White House billed as a major address on economic policy, President Joe Biden touted his record on jobs. He boasted that the unemployment rate during much of his tenure has been below 4%, which is considered a strong achievement by historical standards.

Louis Jacobson, PolitiFact reporter

Good economic news: Unemployment claims drop; GDP revised upward

Labor market remains strong. That, combined with a stronger GDP report, likely means that Fed officials will go through with another rate hike or two before the end of the year as its battle against inflation continues.

Many companies still hiring: NCSU economist praises latest jobs report

North Carolina’s unemployment rate of 3.4%  went unchanged between April and May, according to the N.C. Department of Commerce. North Carolina’s rate also was unchanged from a year ago. The national unemployment rate increased 0.3% to 3.7%. Here are the details.

Jobs picture dimming: Unemployment claims climb to 262,000

The number of Americans applying for unemployment benefits remained elevated last week, a possible sign that the Federal Reserve's interest rate hikes over the past year may taking hold in what's proved to be a resilient job market.