New Report Reveals Details on Pennsylvania's Unemployed People

Publication Provides Demographics for Nearly 600,000 Unemployed Pennsylvanians

HARRISBURG, Pa., Sept. 29 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Labor & Industry Secretary Sandi Vito today introduced A Profile of Pennsylvania's Unemployed People, detailing the demographics of unemployed people and the recession's effects on the workforce.

Most of the 600,000 currently unemployed Pennsylvanians are educated, in their working prime, and - for many - facing the uncertainty of unemployment for the first time in their lives.

"In Pennsylvania, and across the nation, there are about five applicants for every one job opening," Vito said. "This report illustrates - with clarity - the challenges faced by citizens who, through no fault of their own, have lost their jobs and are struggling to make ends meet. We are facing the longest period of high joblessness since the Great Depression."

Vito was joined by Tony Ross of the United Way and Pa CareerLink^® participant Theresa Irizarry.

A Profile of Pennsylvania's Unemployed People identifies the demographics and geographic distribution of the nearly 600,000 Pennsylvanians who are unemployed. The report presents the basic facts about Pennsylvania's unemployed people, including their demographic characteristics and educational background, where they live, their work histories, and the industries and occupations of their last job.

"Pennsylvanians who are unemployed want to go back to work," Vito said. "We hear from people across the state that they want meaningful careers and jobs that pay a family-sustaining wage. What is also clear is that many skilled people are on the sidelines because of this recession, but could be making a meaningful contribution to businesses and our state economy. Their talents are being wasted because of a lack of job opportunities.

"In addition to educating the public on the effects of unemployment, the report can be used by legislators and policymakers in making decisions regarding economic and workforce development programs and policies moving forward," Vito said.

A Profile of Pennsylvania's Unemployed People is available online at www.paworkforce.state.pa.us.

Media contact: Troy Thompson, 717-787-7530

Editor's Note: Secretary Vito will host a conference call for reporters at 1 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 29, to discuss the new report. Reporters interested in participating should request the call-in number and access code in advance by calling 717-787-7530 or e-mailing [email protected].

SOURCE Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry