Top Stories

Unemployment benefits boosted a third time
A bill signed into law recently by President Barack Obama extends unemployment benefits for up to 20 weeks. The legislation marks the third time since the start of the economic downturn in December 2007 that lawmakers and the administration have increased benefits. Meanwhile, more than one-third of unemployed Americans have been out of work for more than six months, according to the Economic Policy Institute. Obama said the legislation will help the economic recovery by boosting consumer spending. "Economists tell us that when these benefits are spent on food or clothing or rent, it actually strengthens our economy and creates new jobs," he said. Workforce Management Online (11/2009)

Older workers should use social media during job searches
Older workers who are searching for new employment are sometimes reluctant to turn to social media, experts say. Nevertheless, a LinkedIn network and a Facebook page are valuable tools for anyone looking for new employment, says Tony McKinnon, president of executive search firm MRINetwork. He also recommends creating a specific e-mail for job hunting and using Twitter to research businesses and potential job opportunities. Chicago Tribune (11/2)

Industry & Workplace Trends

Study: Job search may require older workers to change expectations
Some baby boomers are learning that they must adjust their expectations as they search for a new position, according to a study sponsored by MetLife Mature Market Institute. Many unemployed individuals incorrectly assume they will secure employment in their previous field simply because they have experience, experts say. "The fact that so many job seekers over 55 have difficulty finding work means such individuals need new solutions to compete," said Sandra Timmermann, director of the institute. Chicago Tribune/Tribune Media Services (11/1)

Age discrimination claims increase 29%, experts say
A spike in age discrimination claims has prompted some employers to examine their policies and training programs, experts say. Discrimination claims are up 29% this year, a trend that some observers attribute to layoffs occurring across the U.S. To avoid and prevent lawsuits, employers should consider updating their diversity programs and providing management training sessions on the programs. CCH (11/2)

Number of jobs advertised online fell in October, Conference Board says
A recent Conference Board report found that online advertised job vacancies in October declined by 83,200 to 3.28 million, reflecting the decline in demand for labor in the U.S. There are currently about 4.5 unemployed individuals for every online advertised vacancy, noted Gad Levanon, Conference Board senior economist. CCH (11/4)

Blog: Subtle age bias affects job search
In this Wall Street Journal guest blog, Jan Thomas, a former communications project manager, discusses the long-term impact of her prolonged job search. Thomas, who is 59, was laid off 18 months ago and has not found work. "The age discrimination is real but too subtle to pinpoint," she writes. "I don't feel anywhere near my age either physically or mentally but, like Indiana Jones, I see a giant boulder rolling toward me." The Wall Street Journal (11/5)

Survey: 46% cashed out 401(k) after leaving job in 2008
Nearly half of the workers who left their jobs in 2008 -- with 33% of those being in their 50s -- dipped into their 401(k) savings, according to a Hewitt Associates study. "Over the course of 20 or 30 years, modest amounts of savings can turn into surprisingly large sums of money," said Pamela Hess, director of retirement research at Hewitt. Hess says regulators and employers need to step in to stop this trend or millions of future retirees run the risk of enduring a sub-par standard of living. Financial-Planning.com/Money Management Executive (10/30)

AARP News

AARP Workforce Assessment Tool
In the current economy, careful talent management is more important than ever. The AARP Workforce Assessment Tool can give you the intelligence you need to recruit and retain a skilled, multigenerational workforce.

The Tool poses a series of questions about your workforce composition, and asks about your practices in areas such as recruitment, benefits, knowledge retention and flexible work options. Once you have submitted your answers, you receive an individualized report with detailed action steps in each area.

Registration for the Tool is simple, and you can save or change your data at any time.  Learn more

Law and Regulation

Provisions in defense legislation benefit retirees
The Defense Authorization Act, recently signed into law, allows current workers under the Civil Service Retirement System program to transition into part-time work without reducing their pension payments. It also lets current and former civilian workers participating in the Federal Employees Retirement System receive credit for unused sick leave. The Washington Times (11/2)

Opinion: Congress should overturn age discrimination ruling
Congress should overturn a Supreme Court decision that requires older workers to prove that age was the decisive factor in their termination, this editorial in The New York Times says. The U.S. has viewed age discrimination claims with skepticism, and lawmakers should take steps to change that approach. "To be rejected on account of old age may or may not feel the same as being rejected on the basis of race or sex," the editorial says. "But it is clearly unjust and dehumanizing, and the law should take it more seriously than it does." NYTimes.com (11/6)

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