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Benefits July 1, 2003
Most Americans Know Someone Affected By Layoffs
July 1, 2003 (PLANSPONSOR.com) - More than six out
of 10 Americans say they know someone who has been laid off
or fired recently, the highest percentage since the collapse
of the late 1990s economic boom.
Reported by Eric Hazard
The latest figure (63%) continues the ascent of those knowing laid-off workers over the past few years. In August 2001, 43% said they knew someone who had been laid off or fired recently; by October 2001, the percentage had grown to 50%, according to the results of a recent Gallup poll.
Unemployment is definitely on
the collective psyche of workers.
An increasing number of Americans cite unemployment or jobs
as the most important problem facing the country. A
substantial proportion said they could survive without a
job for only about a month before “experiencing significant
financial hardship.”
Additionally, the n
ational job outlook remains
bleak.
When Americans were asked if now is a good time to find a
quality job, the answer has been a resounding “no” for the
19 straight months since Gallup began asking this question
on a routine basis in October 2001. More recently, when
polled about their outlook toward the job market right now,
23% responded to this being a good time to find a quality
job.
Conversely, a full three-quarters of the survey respondents
said this is a bad time.