Last June, after almost a full year on the job hunt, Jordan Williams landed a role at a high-growth, United Kingdom-based outdoor apparel brand that was looking to build out its US operations.
Passenger Clothing was well positioned for expansion: The company landed orders with REI, Scheels and others; and Williams, a Portland, Oregon-based outdoor industry veteran, was excited for the ride.
Until April.
All signs were pointing to a cooling labor market. Instead, the latest jobs report showed the unemployment rate fell to 3.4% in April after 253,000 jobs were added last month.
But hiring isn’t strong across the board, and is concentrated in a handful of industries.
“Employers continue to hire for in-demand skills while pulling back on non-essential headcount,” said Becky Frankiewicz, president and chief commercial officer at ManpowerGroup, a staffing agency.
THIS WEEK’S HEADLINES (Click on Link):
In this issue:
January State/Local Area Employment Reports
California’s Unemployment Rate Falls to 12.4%
Auto Sales Race Ahead in February
Global Economic Monitor
Events of Interest
* April 3-5: UCLA Climate Academy Business Leaders Course
Dispatches From The Front 