Long-term unemployment & its repercussions

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Hour 2

The most recent unemployment numbers announced December 2nd brought some good news, with the unemployment rate dropping from 9 percent in October to 8.6 percent in November. But few were celebrating, as that statistic benefits from the masses of unemployed Americans who have given up and are no longer seeking work. The inability of willing workers to find employment represents a serious threat to the U.S. social safety net and to the American body politic – but even more of a threat to the lives and welfare of those unemployed Americans themselves. In his new book, “Pinched: How the Great Recession Has Narrowed Our Futures and What We Can Do About It,” DON PECK, features editor at The Atlantic, details the far-reaching effects of long-term unemployment and narrowing economic opportunities for millions of Americans. We’ll also talk to JANE VON BERGEN, Workplace Reporter for The Philadelphia Inquirer, covering her second recession in a series titled “Looking for Work” and on her “Jobbing” blog.

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[audio: 121311_110630.mp3]

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