by wildcherry on Sunday, October 4th, 2009 | Business, News

Latest Update: According to the latest jobs report released by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the official unemployment rate in the U.S. in Oct. 2009 is 10.2%. A broader measure that takes into account workers that have given up job seeking or are underemployed puts it at 17.5%.
The number of unemployed persons increased to 15.7 million. Since the start of the recession in December 2007, the number of unemployed has risen by 8.2 million, the Labor Department said

Forbes reported that the state’s unemployment rate had reached is worst valley in over 25 years, while New York City’s jobless numbered more than at any time since 1993.

According to that report, nearly a million people are out of work in New York State. Compared with the national jobless rate of 9.7 percent , New York is decidedly worse at 9 percent. Last year, before the recession took hold, New York’s unemployment beat the national average at 5.7 percent, versus 6.2 percent. New York City appears to be the hardest hit, but what does this mean for the overall picture of the Nation’s economy?

NYS Unemployment Benefits have received new funding to help thousands in New York State. The NY State Dept of Labor (www.labor.ny.gov) announces new unemployment benefits amounting to $15 million to aid New York State residents in the current labor market.

State Labor Commissioner M. Patricia Smith announced $15 million will train more than 6,200 workers. Smith explains the move to provide benefits even in a tight labor market.

“As citizens of the Empire State, we all have a moral obligation to lift up our fellow New Yorkers who may have fallen through the cracks as a result of the current recession. For hundreds of workers in Central New York, this funding will provide them with a basis to succeed not only in the workplace, but also in life.”

The Labor Department’s Emerging and Transitional Worker grants is described by the NYS Labor in a statement days ago:

“[It's] intended to give emerging and transitional workers – those with little or no connection to the workforce – the skills necessary to successfully obtain employment and advance their careers. Tools offered include career planning, work readiness training, High School Diploma or Equivalent preparation and basic occupational skills training. In some instances, the training will include in-demand sectors such as green collar occupations, health care and advanced manufacturing, as well as collaboration with community colleges.

Governor David A. Paterson said of the new benefits:

“I meet low-income workers every day, and I know that the current recession has been very difficult for every one of them. Many of these men and women are looking for opportunities to make their lives better. The Emerging and Transitional Worker grants will touch the lives of thousands of New Yorkers in nearly every corner of the state, enriching families and communities, and most importantly, providing them with a pathway out of poverty.”

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