The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics has published December jobs report. And, like so many things in the COVID-19 pandemic, well, it’s complicated. Unemployment is down. 82% of jobs lost in the pandemic are back. But, growth in new job openings last month was much slower than expected. That’s despite all the “now hiring” signs you’re seeing around town. Economists have been trying to crack the current labor market puzzle. On today's episode, we see what one of them is making of these mixed signals.

GUEST: 

Justin Wolfers, professor of public policy and economics at the University of Michigan

Looking for more conversations from Stateside? Right this way.

If you like what you hear on the pod, consider supporting our work.

Stateside’s theme music is by 14KT.

Additional music by Blue Dot Sessions.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics has published December jobs report. And, like so many things in the COVID-19 pandemic, well, it&rsquo;s complicated.&nbsp;Unemployment is down. 82% of jobs lost in the pandemic are back. But, growth in new job openings last month was much slower than expected.&nbsp;That&rsquo;s despite all the &ldquo;now hiring&rdquo; signs you&rsquo;re seeing around town. Economists have been trying to crack the current labor market puzzle. On today's episode, we see what one of them is making of these mixed signals.
GUEST:&nbsp;
Justin Wolfers, professor of public policy and economics at the University of Michigan
Looking for more conversations from Stateside? <a href="https://www.michiganradio.org/programs/stateside">Right this way</a>.
If you like what you hear on the pod, consider <a href="https://bit.ly/358m02D">supporting our work.</a>
Stateside&rsquo;s theme music is by <a href="https://14kt.bandcamp.com/">14KT.</a>
Additional music by<a href="https://www.sessions.blue/"> Blue Dot Sessions.</a>

Conversations that matter to Michigan. Each weekday, host April Baer will bring you stories from people across the state—from policymakers in Lansing, to entrepreneurs in Detroit, to artists in Grand Rapids.

To access full episodes and individual story segments, please visit michiganpublic.org.

If you like what you hear on the pod, consider supporting our work: michiganradio.org/podfund

Conversations that matter to Michigan. Each weekday, host April Baer will bring you stories from people across the state—from policymakers in Lansing, to entrepreneurs in Detroit, to artists in Grand Rapids.
To access full episodes and individual story segments, please visit <a href="https://www.michiganradio.org/stateside">michiganpublic.org</a>.
If you like what you hear on the pod, consider <a href="http://michiganpublic.org/podfund">supporting our work</a>: michiganradio.org/podfund

Stateside

Conversations that matter to Michigan. Each weekday, host April Baer will bring you stories from people across the state—from policymakers in Lansing, to entrepreneurs in Detroit, to artists in Grand Rapids.

To access full episodes and individual story segments, please visit michiganpublic.org.

If you like what you hear on the pod, consider supporting our work: michiganradio.org/podfund

Conversations that matter to Michigan. Each weekday, host April Baer will bring you stories from people across the state—from policymakers in Lansing, to entrepreneurs in Detroit, to artists in Grand Rapids.
To access full episodes and individual story segments, please visit <a href="https://www.michiganradio.org/programs/stateside">michiganpublic.org</a>.
If you like what you hear on the pod, consider <a href="https://bit.ly/3RJN5Ul">supporting our work</a>: michiganradio.org/podfund

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