April Unemployment Edges Up With Fewer People Working Than a Year Ago  

Idaho’s economy continued slowing in April as the seasonally adjusted unemployment rate edged up a tenth to 3.1 percent from March, and for the first time in 5½ years fewer people were working across the state than a year earlier.

Continued sluggishness in construction and a ninth straight month of declining employment in manufacturing contributed to nearly 800 more people looking for work, raising the ranks of the unemployed to just over 23,000 in April – 2,500 more people off the job than a year ago. Read More... 5/2/2008

2007 Report Shows Decline in Benefits

Fringe benefits such as leave, retirement and insurance have become increasingly important to employees and employers alike. Not only do benefits account for a significant portion of overall compensation, but the competitiveness of an employer's fringe benefits package can be a significant factor in attracting and maintaining quality employees. That is why it is important to determine the types of benefits offered as well as which employers offer them.

The Idaho Department of Labor's new Fringe Benefits Survey results show that Idaho employers, possibly responding to financial pressures, have been cutting back on benefits, resulting in an overall reduction in medical, dental, leave and retirement benefits offered between 2005 and 2007. Read more ... 02/12/2008