US opioid abuse ‘linked to jobs market’ says Fed boss | BBC News

July 14, 2017July 14, 2017 ~ knjohn ~ Leave a comment

Widespread opioid abuse is tied to a fall in the share of Americans working or looking for work, the head of the US central bank said on Thursday.

Federal Reserve Chair Janet Yellen said she was not sure if it was a cause of the decline or a symptom revealing more longstanding economic problems.

Technological changes and an ageing workforce also contributed, she said.

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) estimate that prescription drug abuse costs $78.5bn (£61.5bn) annually.

Remote Workforce | Business Tips

July 31, 2015 ~ knjohn ~ Leave a comment

It’s estimated that “regular telecommuters will total 4.9 million by 2016.” In addition to that, some “50 million U.S. employees hold jobs that are telework compatible, although only 2.9 million consider home their primary place of work (2.3 percent of the workforce).”

A fundamental change in the workplace such as this one can have a profound impact on the economy and job market. But what is driving this trend and why should we be kosher with this latest development?