Unemployment: Labor Force Participation Continues to Decline

“Brother Craig the Hatchet Man” sits down with Heritage Foundation labor and economics policy expert, James Sherk for the scoop on the declining labor force participation rate.  Recently, Americans woke up to the news that the labor market in April 2012 continued its plodding path of mediocrity.  A mere 115,000 jobs were added and the unemployment rate remained above 8 percent.  Heritage reports that one of the most troubling indicators of the economy’s poor climate is the declining labor force participation rate — that is, the number of people actively employed or seeking employment.  The posted infographic shows the labor force participation rate has dropped from 63.8 percent to 63.6 percent, the lowest level since December 1981.

James Sherk is a Senior Policy Analyst in Labor Economics.  He researches ways to promote competition and mobility in the workforce instead of erecting barriers preventing workers from getting ahead.  His commentary and analysis has appeared in such publications as the Washington Post, New York Post, Business Week and Roll Call. He has been a guest expert on such networks as CNN, CNBC and Fox News.  Sherk’s visit on the “The REALLY, Real, Deal with Brother Craig the Hatchet Man” will shed further light on the on-going job market issue.  So, join in on the conversation live, or –on-demand, and share with a friend!