[malamute]

Originally Posted by scarabchuck

It's crazy... I know more unemployed people right now than ones that are working. Good times here in MI....

If unemployment is up to 12%, that means 88% of people are working.

Otherwise it means they need to change the way they're doing the statistics.

[mike231]

Yes, the sum of 12 and 88 is 100...That is simple addition.
The Stats. are off it don't take into account for other things.
1) People working less hours
2) Found other work, but working for less.
3) Self-employed that don't qualify for unemployment benefits. And their are a lot of them in the construction industry.
4) Others that would have kept working, but took an early retirement.
5) What about all the younger folks looking for work, and don't qualify for benefits - but can't find it in Michigan ?

I'm sure I have missed several other factors that would effect the actual unemployment figure...And "actual" is a term that is hard to define in this situation.

I also believe the numbers are kept low to reduce worry. They did that years ago with some of the accounting pratices to help inflate company profits...Why would they not do that in this case.
I question everything, just look around. If 88% of the populaton are employed would things be like this ?

[jmlowman]

6) Don't quote me on this, but I understand that after 6 months of unemployment, people are no longer aggregated into the unemployment percentage. That, to me, makes the whole thing misleading. And I'm sure that there are a lot of employees displaced from factory jobs who have been unemployed for 6 months or longer.

[MittenDweller82]

Originally Posted by mike231

Yes, the sum of 12 and 88 is 100...That is simple addition.
The Stats. are off it don't take into account for other things.
1) People working less hours
2) Found other work, but working for less.
3) Self-employed that don't qualify for unemployment benefits. And their are a lot of them in the construction industry.
4) Others that would have kept working, but took an early retirement.
5) What about all the younger folks looking for work, and don't qualify for benefits - but can't find it in Michigan ?

I'm sure I have missed several other factors that would effect the actual unemployment figure...And "actual" is a term that is hard to define in this situation.

I also believe the numbers are kept low to reduce worry. They did that years ago with some of the accounting pratices to help inflate company profits...Why would they not do that in this case.
I question everything, just look around. If 88% of the populaton are employed would things be like this ?

This is true, if economists figured the "true rate" of unemployment as it is referred to, the number would be near 30%. This includes teens looking for work, and those who are unemployed but not receiving benefits. A national report was released not long ago that said nationally nearly 35% of teens seeking work were unemployed. Things really are a lot worse than at face value...

[malamute]

Originally Posted by jmlowman

6) Don't quote me on this, but I understand that after 6 months of unemployment, people are no longer aggregated into the unemployment percentage. That, to me, makes the whole thing misleading. And I'm sure that there are a lot of employees displaced from factory jobs who have been unemployed for 6 months or longer.

I've heard that also which means the government's figures are intentionally misleading. If more people are unemployed, then they should be counted.

How would the numbers look if the people who are out of work or working little and not by choice were counted, count all those seeking a job, those on unemployment, and those on welfare -- even if the welfare types tend not to want to work, they're still unemployed.

[trinkit]

Originally Posted by indentured servant

people better start paying attention to michigan in regards to a predictor for the nation. If michigan is hurting……our nation is hurting. Government spending is only postponing and intensifying the collapse of the us economy. People were on here bashing michigan, and its future, back when michigan unemployment rate was 8.9 percet (and even lower). Its interesting that few people are now making the argument that the nation, is doomed and needs to shed 10% of its population. Why was it true for michigan at 8.9% unemployment but not true for the nation at 8.9%? All us job losses did not come from the state of michigan. Its not as if michigan is dragging the nation down....but rather that the nation is going down and michigan is at the front of the fall.

amen!!!

[trinkit]

Originally Posted by malamute

If unemployment is up to 12%, that means 88% of people are working.

Otherwise it means they need to change the way they're doing the statistics.

That number doesn't account for the number of people who:

• have had their unemployment benefits run out
• have quit looking for work in Michigan
• have left the state because there was nothing for them in Michigan
• have graduated school and are attempting to enter the workforce but finding nothing
• have taken early retirement or buyout

[WheredoIlive?]

Originally Posted by jmlowman

6) Don't quote me on this, but I understand that after 6 months of unemployment, people are no longer aggregated into the unemployment percentage. That, to me, makes the whole thing misleading. And I'm sure that there are a lot of employees displaced from factory jobs who have been unemployed for 6 months or longer.

I believe the TRUE UNEMPLOYMENT FIGURES are FAR HIGHER!

25% or more.

They do not count people after the 6 months is up.

[krock1dk]

Ladies and gents.....the true unemployment statistics are much higher than reported. The unemployment rate is only measured by people at least age 16 LOOKING for a job, rather than actually not having one. The true percent of people actually unemployed is much higher--maybe even 25%. No one knows for sure.

[zthatzmanz28]

Seems folks will never be happy. Unemployment drops..people are grouchy.

Unemployment rises...people are grouchy..

Some say the state in the tubes...some say there are 8080 job openings on the west side.

Just wish we would all stop the bickering and accept the morbid facts for what they are.

My wife has been unable to find ANY job for quite awhile.

I was told I was being laid off in February and had several job offers before I was officially unemployed!