Texas Border Business
Today, we found out there were 10.4 million jobs unfilled in August, a slight decrease from July’s record high. This is on top of September’s jobs numbers disappointment, last week, which showed a decline in the labor force. (See Curtis Dubay’s analysis below for more.)
Why it matters: The worker shortage crisis continues, affecting businesses of all sizes, across industries and is a reminder that our economic recovery remains fragile.
Our take: “With open jobs exceeding the number of people looking for work by over 2.7 million, the workforce shortage is the single most significant threat to America’s economic recovery. Coupled with Friday’s disappointing employment figures, this is yet another reminder that the recovery remains very fragile,” Chamber President and CEO Suzanne Clark explained. “Congress should drop the multi-trillion-dollar tax and spend proposals that would further undermine the economy and focus on getting Americans back to work and helping employers fill open jobs.”
What we’re doing: The Chamber strives every day to support employers and strengthen America’s workforce. For instance:
- This week, the Chamber Foundation’s Talent Pipeline Management Fall Summit will gather employers to collaborate on workforce building opportunities and best practices.
- On Thursday, Oct. 14, the next edition of Common Grounds with Rep. Nancy Mace (R-SC) and Rep. Mikie Sherrill (D-NJ) will discuss how childcare remains a significant barrier to reentering the workforce.
- The Chamber Foundation’s Hiring Our Heroes program holds virtual career fairs weekly to connect employers to transitioning service members, military spouses, veterans, and caregivers. Learn how to join one.
- Read our latest research on The Business Case for Second Chance Hiring.
Dig deeper:
- Read Chamber Senior Economist Curtis Dubay’s analysis of the job openings data.
- Learn more about the Chamber’s America Works policy agenda, workforce solutions for businesses, and the latest research on the impact of the worker shortage.
