America's long-term unemployed: 'For those looking for work, it's very bleak'

[marmar]

from the Guardian UK:



Before the birth of her fourth child, Keron Bartholomew decided she needed to be near her family in Orlando, Florida. Her partner, Fernando Bogle, was still in college in New York, and was hoping to become a pharmacist. He planned to join them when he graduated. But within a year of her move in 2009, Keron had lost her job. Bogle left school to find a job, but couldn't, and by the end of the year the family was homeless. "It's been a rat race ever since," said Bogle.

Since Bartholomew, 30, lost her job at Orlando airport in November 2009 she says she's spent most days looking for a new one. Bogle, 28, eventually found work at Publix, an employee-owned supermarket chain, but money is short and he is looking for a second one. He has put his studies on hold. "Someone needed to provide. To buy milk and cereal," he says.

When the US Labor Department releases its latest monthly jobs figures on Friday morning, all eyes will be on the headline number. Rightly or wrongly, with the 2012 election looming the jobs figures have become a monthly report card on Obama's economic policy. Last month they were disappointing, but still positive. With the focus on jobs growth, or the lack of it, the plight of the long-term unemployed is getting ignored.

According to the official measures in March there were 5.3 million long-term unemployed (those jobless for 27 weeks and over) – essentially unchanged from February and accounting for 42.5% of the unemployed. ................(more)

The complete piece is at: http://www.guardian.co.uk/business/2012/may/03/us-long-term-unemployed-obama