Skip to main content
Michigan’s nonpartisan, nonprofit news source

Will they ever work again?

File this under depressing chart of the day:

http://tpmdc.talkingpointsmemo.com/2011/11/chart-of-the-day-long-term-unemployment-is-a-huge-problem----especially-if-youre-old.php?ref=fpa

About 1 in 3 of the officially jobless have now been without work for more than a year. For the context: The previous high for that figure in the last half-century was about 14 percent.

With Michiganrunning a jobless rate above 11 percent -- and with the state's job creation rate projected to be less than robust -- the prospect is rising that the state will have 100,000, 200,000 even 300,000 people of working age who will be out of the regular work force for years.

The number of official jobless in Michigan is just over 500,000 right now. If you assume 1/3 of them have been out of work for 52 weeks or more, that gets you to 167,000. As the economy continues to sputter, it's unlikely that the figure is going to go down.

The governor is due to present a message on talent and the work force this month. How will it address the long-term unemployed, or will it?

How impactful was this article for you?

Business Watch

Covering the intersection of business and policy, and informing Michigan employers and workers on the long road back from coronavirus.

Thanks to our Business Watch sponsors.

Support Bridge's nonprofit civic journalism. Donate today.

Only donate if we've informed you about important Michigan issues

See what new members are saying about why they donated to Bridge Michigan:

  • “In order for this information to be accurate and unbiased it must be underwritten by its readers, not by special interests.” - Larry S.
  • “Not many other media sources report on the topics Bridge does.” - Susan B.
  • “Your journalism is outstanding and rare these days.” - Mark S.

If you want to ensure the future of nonpartisan, nonprofit Michigan journalism, please become a member today. You, too, will be asked why you donated and maybe we'll feature your quote next time!

Pay with VISA Pay with MasterCard Pay with American Express Pay with PayPal Donate Now