Monday, June 13, 2011

State of Working Colorado: Long-term unemployment – Not the typical layoff

When workers have been unemployed for longer than 26 weeks, they are classified as "long-term unemployed." As the economy suffers, not only does the number of unemployed workers increase, but the share of unemployed people who are long-term unemployed increases as the downturn persists. During the recent economic downturn, the long-term unemployment share increased dramatically in Colorado and the nation as a whole. In 2009, more than one of every four unemployed Coloradans had been out of work for more than 26 weeks. Even at that high rate, Colorado continues to do better than the national average. Like unemployment insurance recipiency and exhaustion rates, the long-term unemployment share is likely to show another increase in the 2010 data, given persistently high unemployment rates.

For more insights, including detailed policy recommendations for enhancing economic security for all Coloradans, check out the State of Working Colorado 2010.

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