MassBenchmarks - Spring 2017
May 2017
THE CURRENT ISSUE'S HIGHLIGHTS
A Vibrant Economy Faces Uncertainties
Lower unemployment rates from Boston to the Gateway Cities reflect a robust state economy. Uncertainties on the horizon include slow labor force growth, a stronger dollar’s influence on exports, slower growth in China and Europe, and the impact of Trump Administration policies.
• Robert Nakosteen
Paid Family and Medical Leave in Massachusetts: Costs and Coverage
A simulation model finds costs of hypothetical paid family leave options for Massachusetts to be low. Estimates consider the annual number and length of leaves, coverage across employees, and other factors.
• Randy Albelda & Alan Clayton-Matthews
Youth Labor Force Conditions: Employment and Attachment for Young Workers in Massachusetts
Participation by young adults in the Massachusetts labor force has been trending downward, especially since the Great Recession. At the same time, employment rates by works age 55 and older have increased, suggesting competition with younger workers for scarce employment opportunities.
• Mark Melnik
Overcoming Barriers to Employment in a Tight Labor Market
Conditions for the underemployed call for multipronged strategies. These include accelerated learning for adults without postsecondary education, more robust job-connection pathways for younger workers, and regional partnerships that provide training for jobs in demand.
• Raija Vaisanen
