Approximately 75.7 percent of workers between the ages of 25 and 54 have jobs, about 1 percent above the recession's lowest level.
In comparison, 80 percent of this group were employed before the economic downturn began. The proportion of these Americans who have jobs in their prime working years is lower than it was for more than two decades before the recession, according to The Washington Post.
Federal statistics indicate that falling unemployment figures may be misleading, hitting lower levels than they should because a significant number of workers have stopped looking for work. Some of these individuals may be pursuing further education or other goals before returning to the workforce, but others have given up. Among men in particular, the percentage of 25 to 54-year-olds who are employed is the smallest it has been since 1948. The statistic for women is lower than at any time since 1988.
This may have a variety of consequences for firms. Americans in difficult financial circumstances are likely to place more value on compensation than other factors when assessing job prospects. Salaries and employee benefit packages are likely to be seen as more important than during economically stronger years. Additionally, many people will be worried about their long-term financial situations, so retirement benefits and plans may assume greater importance.
