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Job Declines Continue Despite Other Positive Signs
January 8, 2010Employment data released today by the U.S. Department of Labor indicates that the pace of job losses has slowed tremendously compared to a year ago. However, job creation remains elusive as lawmakers pursue legislation that would harm, not help, employers efforts to retain and add jobs, noted the Retail Industry Leaders Association (RILA). According to the report, the U.S. economy shed 85,000 jobs in December, while the unemployment rate remained steady at 10 percent. Over the same period, the retail industry shed 10,200 jobs, the smallest decline since the start of the recession. "The most effective consumer stimulus continues to be a steady job," said RILA President Sandy Kennedy. "Today's report suggests we are entering 2010 in better shape than we entered 2009, but the economy remains fragile and job creation continues to be elusive. Congress must focus on measures that will increase consumer confidence and boost spending, and avoid actions that would impose costly burdens on employers as they seek to create and retain jobs." RILA has spoken out strongly against House and Senate health care reform legislation that would undermine the quality and affordability of health care insurance RILA members offer their employees and stifle retail job growth for years to come. Full release.