By Dave Lucas
http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/wamc/local-wamc-918141.mp3
Albany, NY – Looking for a job? Despite the stumbling economy, New York's unemployed may have a head start over the rest of the country when it comes to finding work. Capital District Bureau Chief Dave Lucas explains.
Numbers released this week by the US Labor Department are not encouraging: Job openings in the U.S. dropped in June for a second month, falling by 2,000 to 2.94 million. These are the fewest openings since March. In New York's Capital Region, job postings jumped by 10% over the previous week, signaling that employers may be kicking in Fall hiring plans. The figures come from NextAct of Colonie, which monitors the local job market - Next Act's Dan Moran hails the rise as "good news for those in the job market, or those considering entering the market" - "It is good to see such a strong rebound and hopefully this is a good sign for Fall job opportunities as many employers beef up staff for anticipated holiday needs and 3rd quarter business beginning this time of the year," stated Moran.
Job Postings were just over 5400, up from 4900 the week prior. Job postings in the Region are normally in the baseline of 4000 - 4900 on a weekly basis and 7-day rolling average, consistent for this area. Monitoring job postings is a leading indicator of hiring within the following 30-45 days. This methodology is utilized by reading research houses nationally and is employed in the Region by Moran's firm. For the purpose of reporting, the Region is defined as a 50 mile radius of Albany.
Despite overwhelming frustration with state government and a difficult economic climate, employers who responded to a Business Council survey were optimistic about economic recovery. "Although they have dealt with a difficult recession and a hostile business environment in New York, our members believe their businesses will grow and their bottom lines will improve over the next 18 months," said Kenneth Adams, president and CEO of The Business Council of New York State, Inc. "They are not reaching for any champagne yet, but they see economic improvement ahead in 2011," he added.
The Business Council of New York State represents the interests of large and small firms throughout the state. The organization surveyed approximately 3,000 of its members electronically in June and July, asking them about the economic climate they've faced in the past six months. The survey also asked members about their outlook over the next six months, and the next 12 to 18 months. Among the survey's findings: in the next 12 to 18 months 51 percent of the employers plan to keep their workforce same, while 40 percent plan an increase.
In an effort to make it easier for job seekers to search for careers the New York State Department of Labor has launched the New York State Job Bank website: www.laborny.jobs. There are currently 84-thousand plus jobs posted on the new site and it continues to grow. Labor department spokesperson Michelle Duffy encourages job-seekers to check out the website. Duffy says job-seekers have direct access to openings through the webpage or can elect to "sign up" for extra benefits, like email alerts when jobs become available.
Nationally, the figures indicate there are about 5 people vying for every job opening, up from about 1.8 when the recession officially began in December 2007.