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WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2009
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 ANALYSIS 
11

3 Million US Job Openings Isn't a Good Thing

Figure shows troubling disconnect between employers, workers

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(Newser) – Even with the unemployment rate shattering records, 3 million jobs nationwide remain unfilled. But the growing mismatch between employers and workers tarnishes that silver lining, Peter Coy argues in BusinessWeek. Untrained job-seekers often don’t have necessary skills to work in growing sectors like health care and accounting, and employers complain of the mounting backlog the labor shortage causes.

The problem could worsen even when the economy rebounds, because unemployment figures will likely remain high, bidding wars over qualified workers will boost inflation, and Washington’s quick fixes may make things even worse. Some workers aren’t helping, refusing to relocate or accept lower pay. But smart policy and a dose of realism from all sides can spark a turnaround, Coy contends.

Evidence of an emerging structural shift in the US economy that has created serious mismatches between workers and employers, Peter Coy says.
Evidence of an emerging structural shift in the US economy that has created serious mismatches between workers and employers, Peter Coy says.   (Shutter Stock)
Evidence of an emerging structural shift in the US economy that has created serious mismatches between workers and employers, Peter Coy says.
Evidence of an emerging structural shift in the US economy that has created serious mismatches between workers and employers, Peter Coy says.   (AP Photo)
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It's been a pretty damaging recession. A lot of relatively skilled full-time workers are losing jobs that are just not going to be there again. There is likely to be an unusually large skills mismatch. - Bruce Kasman, chief economist, JPMorgan Chase

It's really easy to find people that are 50% of what you are looking for. It's really hard to find people that are 90% of what you are looking for. This is a real dilemma. - Jim Spohrer, IBM

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11 comments
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TerrifiedCitizen
May 1, 09 3:20 PM CDT
Perhaps the people are weary and wary of constantly adjusting for a government that has for a long time now, acted bipolar... Reply
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-1
anchower
May 1, 09 3:20 PM CDT
Is any of the stimulus money going toward job training or college grants? Does anybody in Washington know what the f--- he or she is doing? Reply
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-1
NewserHound
May 1, 09 3:27 PM CDT
If our education system wasn't 20 years behind we wouldn't be having these problems. Today's top jobs were not around even 10 years ago and there is NO training for these jobs yet. In order to grow, you need to be able to teach yourself. Reply
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+3
serfinWI
May 1, 09 3:38 PM CDT
And, unfortunately, public schooling does not teach us how to teach (and think for) ourselves. Just crams a lot of crap down our throats. Reply
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+2
Jaymeister
May 1, 09 10:37 PM CDT
Imagine how much more successful our country would be if our schools taught our children: 1. time management 2. money management 3. weight management 4. positive social responsibility Food for thought ... Reply
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+1

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