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USA: HALF A
MILLION JOBS TO BE CUT
Planned job reductions reach 538,274
According to the most recent US Labor Department data, there were 1.6 million layoffs till the end of April in the United States. The U.S. auto and retail sectors slashed tens of thousands of jobs in June, bringing the number of planned job cuts to 110,996, the highest in 17 months, according to outplacement firm Challenger Gray & Christmas Inc. Corporate announcements of job reductions increased 35% from May's 82,282, and were up 73% from June 2004's 64,343, Challenger said Wednesday. Cuts are up 92% since April . So far in 2005, planned job reductions are up 14% year-to-date to 538,274
UK:
GRADUATE GLOOM ABOUT JOB CHANCES
Job hunters expect to earn GBP 19,800 p.a. on average
Two thirds of those graduating from leading UK universities this summer believe there are not enough suitable jobs for them, a survey suggests. When it came to their perceptions of the job market, 63% agreed "there are some graduate jobs, but not enough for everyone leaving university this summer". More applied for jobs in investment banking than any other field, though teaching, media and marketing opportunities were also popular. The survey results show 21% were confident of starting a full-time graduate position, and a further 15% expected to be looking for work - so 36% in total. Job-hunters expected to earn an average of £19,800 for their first job, 4% more than in 2004.
CANADIAN FEEL THEY ARE WORKING LONGER HOURS
Statistics reveal average work week of 33.3 hours
Statistics Canada released survey results showing the average number of hours people work each week has not increased, but has actually declined by an average of 1.4 hours per week, reaching 33.3 hours across all industries. Finding the numbers surprising, working.com conducted an online poll, asking their visitors if they think they are working fewer hours. The results of the poll contradict those of Statistics Canada, as 57% of working.com respondents said they feel they're working longer and longer hours. 23% agreed with StatsCan and 20% said they are working about the same amount of hours as they were five years ago. Statistics Canada attributed the reduction in hours to an aging work force, as well as an increase in time off for vacation and for personal or family responsibilities.
SURVEY: HAPPINESS AT WORK
Hairdressers appear to have the highest job satisfaction
When
it comes to happiness at work, hairdressers appear to be a cut above the rest, a
new league table suggests. According to examiner City & Guilds, hairdressers are
the happiest workers in the UK, with two out of five saying they are very
content in their job. Next in the happiness stakes are the clergy, chefs,
beauticians, and plumbers and mechanics. In contrast, social workers,
architects, civil servants and estate agents made up the foot of the table. Only
2% of social workers and architects say they are extremely happy at work,
according to the survey.
The survey ranking is as follows:
1. Hairdressers (40%);
2. Clergy (24%);
3. Chefs/cooks (23%);
4. Beauticians (22%);
5. Plumbers (20%);
6. Mechanics (20%);
7. Builders (20%);
8. Electricians ( 18%);
9. Florists (18%);
10. Fitness Instructors (18%);
11. Care Assistants (18%);
12. Health care professionals (17%);
13. Media (16%);
14. Chartered engineers (15%);
15. Pharmacists (15%);
16 Scientists/R&D (15%);
17.Butchers (14%)
18. DJs (13%);
19. Interior designers (9%);
20. Travel Agents (9%);
21. Teachers (8%);
22. Bankers (8%);
23. Accountants (7%);
24. IT Specialists (5%);
25. Lawyers (5%);
26. Secretaries (5%);
27. Estate Agents (4%);
28. Civil Servants (3%);
29. Architects (2%);
30. Social Workers (2%)
*% who rated their level of happiness as 10 out of 10 in brackets