Topics Related to Labor Market

In this edition of NC Economy Watch, we check in on labor market conditions in our state. Fewer workers are quitting their jobs now than during the peak of the so-called “Great Resignation”. While this might suggest conditions are starting to normalize, other evidence shows our labor market remains out of balance, with still too many job openings and not enough jobseekers.

According to data from the US Census Bureau, the share of the US workforce that worked the majority of the week at home rose from 5.7% in 2019 to 17.9% in 2021 – an increase in the number of at-home workers of more than 200%. This article explores the places around the state where remote work has become most common.

LEAD’s next blog in the automation series examines exposure to automation-related employment disruptions at the regional level in North Carolina.

Labor shortages among child care providers and their challenges raising pay limit the number of children facilities can serve. This places pressure on parents and leads some to restrict their labor supply, among other economic impacts. These proposals in Governor Cooper’s budget could help providers increase pay and serve more families.

Find out which workers by age are overrepresented in automation exposed industries.

Find out which workers by sex are overrepresented in automation exposed industries.

Find out which workers by race and ethnicity are overrepresented in automation exposed industries.

In this edition of NC Economy Watch, we examine the employment data revisions just released by the US Bureau of Labor Statistics. These revisions change what we thought we knew about conditions in certain sectors of the economy. Overall, however, the revised data continue to demonstrate that, although our economy is slowing, it’s still growing.

Data shows workers with young kids in North Carolina have lower labor force participation rates. High prices, too few available spots at child care facilities, and more are all contributing factors, and it takes a toll on our economy.

The aging of North Carolina’s workforce coupled with slowing population growth speaks to the ever-increasing role that immigration will play in alleviating labor shortages in the years to come. Yet despite its economic importance, international migration remains lower than levels seen in past decades, and COVID-19 disruptions have further hampered immigration in recent years. In this article, we dive deeper into the impact that immigration has on the state’s workforce.