Topics Related to Lead Feed

January 2023 NC Economy Watch: The Labor Market Is Loosening, but It’s Still Very Tight

Welcome to the January 2023 edition of NC Economy Watch: an update on what’s happening in the North Carolina economy and what it means for you, brought to you by the Labor & Economic Analysis Division (LEAD) of the NC Department of Commerce.

In this edition, we provide an update on hiring challenges in our state. The labor market has eased slightly in recent months, but hiring conditions remain historically tight, and demographic trends suggest labor shortages may become a routine feature of life during future periods of economic growth.

November Unemployment Rates Decrease in Most NC Counties

In November, not seasonally adjusted unemployment rates decreased in 92 of North Carolina's 100 counties.

The Workforce Challenge in North Carolina’s Public and Private Schools During the COVID-19 Pandemic

North Carolina’s elementary and secondary schools have been among the slowest sectors of our state’s economy to return to pre-pandemic employment levels. While many other sectors have struggled to hire and retain workers in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, a shortage of teachers as well as cafeteria workers, bus drivers, and other non-instructional support staff presents a two-fold workforce challenge: a failure to fill these jobs today impacts our ability to prepare our children for the jobs of the future. In this article, we use data from the North Carolina Common Follow-up System (CFS)

NC’s November Unemployment Rate Increases

North Carolina's seasonally adjusted unemployment rate increased from October’s revised rate of 3.8 percent.

The Workforce Behind the Workforce: North Carolina’s Childcare Service Industry Throughout the Pandemic

While many sectors have steadily regained employment following the COVID-19 recession, the childcare service workforce continues to face a significant shortfall. In this article, we use data from the North Carolina Common Follow-up System (CFS) to show the shortfall in childcare service employment can be primarily attributed to increased worker outflows among younger childcare workers to other higher-paying industries or out of the workforce altogether.

Industry level automation exposure in North Carolina and what it means

Which industries in North Carolina are most exposed to automation related employment disruptions? What does industry automation exposure mean for workers, workforce and economic development leaders, policymakers, and businesses? This piece examines these questions by applying automation exposure data at the industry level.

October Unemployment Rates Increase in Most NC Counties

In October, not seasonally adjusted unemployment rates increased in 99 of North Carolina's 100 counties.

NC’s October Unemployment Rate Increases

North Carolina's seasonally adjusted unemployment rate increased from September’s revised rate of 3.6 percent.

Overcoming the Awareness Gap with Career Search Tool

NCcareers.org raises awareness of different careers for all North Carolinians by providing access to career information

September Unemployment Rates Decrease in Most NC Counties

In September, not seasonally adjusted unemployment rates decreased in 99 of North Carolina's 100 counties.