unemployment
Coverage of unemployment in the Nexus archive.
- Stocks are up, unemployment is down – so why is a leading NC economist raising a red flag?
A new Catawba College–YouGov Survey shows 72% of North Carolinians have cut back on purchases due to rising prices. Despite the Dow Jones Industrial Average reaching 53,000, a Kenan-Flagler Business School economist warns of declining job growth, falling labor force participation, and a rise in long-term unemployment. Consumer sentiment and sector-specific job losses, including 61,000 in leisure and hospitality, raise concerns about economic health.
- Rivers local council bans commercial motorcycle operation
The Rivers local council has banned commercial motorcycle operations, citing improved security and road safety. The ban has raised concerns about lost livelihoods, unemployment, and transport disruption, with residents calling for alternative jobs before enforcement.
- Kenya: PS Omollo Warns Kisumu Youth Against Crime Amid Rising Insecurity
Kenya's Interior Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo warned youth in Kisumu against criminal activities, stating unemployment cannot justify lawlessness. He affirmed the government's resolve to address threats to peace and security.
- The MND Sheinbaum Index™ for May 2026
The third edition of the MND Sheinbaum Index™ for May 2026 reports a score of 64.8, reflecting a 4.8-point improvement. The index assesses Mexico's performance under President Claudia Sheinbaum across eight pillars, with adjustments to methodology affecting unemployment scoring.
- The danger of South Africa’s fragile anti-migrant protests
South Africa's major cities experienced peaceful anti-migrant protests, with the government deploying police and military resources to manage the demonstrations. However, the protests highlight underlying economic vulnerabilities, including 30% unemployment, rising food inflation, and a struggling informal retail sector. The government faces pressure to enforce mass deportations and workplace quotas as part of a rolling campaign by protest leaders.
- A look back at two decades of xenophobic flare-ups in South Africa
Anti-migrant protests in South Africa blame foreigners for unemployment and high crime, marking the largest demonstrations since 2008. In May 2008, xenophobic riots began in Johannesburg and spread nationwide.
- Anti-immigration protesters march in South Africa, as some immigrants leave the country
Thousands of South African protesters marched against illegal immigration in Johannesburg on June 30, 2026, with authorities reporting mostly peaceful demonstrations despite some looting. Protest groups, including March and March and Operation Dudula, blamed migrants for unemployment and crime, while the government rejected their demands and emphasized lawful immigration enforcement.
- After losing my job, I realized I needed an escape from unemployment. A new hobby helped me find it.
Brittany Johnson lost her job in early 2025 and took up ice skating as a hobby to cope with unemployment. Despite the financial strain of skates, lessons, and coaching, the activity improved her mental health and reduced anxiety from job hunting.
- 'Politically expedient around the world': Immigrants in South Africa face wrath of xenophobia
South Africa experiences recurring anti-migrant mobilizations, with migrants being used as political scapegoats for issues like unemployment and inequality. Aimée-Noel Mbiyozo of the Institute for Security Studies argues these narratives are politically expedient despite lacking evidence.
- Apprenticeship must be promoted to address unemployment of educated youth: Santosh Mehrotra
Santosh Mehrotra emphasized the need to promote apprenticeships to tackle unemployment among educated youth. He noted that work experience is highly valued in the labor market, and apprenticeships offer young people the chance to gain such experience.
- Why Americans hate the "good" economy
The U.S. economy shows strong macroeconomic indicators like GDP and unemployment, but public dissatisfaction stems from rising and volatile prices for essential goods like food, gas, and healthcare. A new initiative by Lael Brainard and Rohit Chopra, the 'Kitchen Table Project,' analyzes how these affordability challenges strain household budgets, highlighting the gap between official data and everyday economic experiences.
- All 32 of the nation's biggest banks clear the Fed's annual 'stress test'
All 32 of the nation's largest banks passed the Federal Reserve's annual stress test, indicating the banking system can withstand a severe economic downturn. The test simulated a scenario with 10% unemployment, a 4.6% GDP contraction, and significant declines in housing and stock markets, yet banks' capital ratios remained well above regulatory requirements. JPMorgan Chase announced increased dividends and stock buybacks following the results.
- France at Two Speeds: Record Company Failures Beside a Vast AI Bet
France's economy is experiencing a dual trend of record company failures and rising unemployment, alongside a significant investment in AI through a 75 billion euro pledge by a Japanese group.
- Employers invested in returnships. Now they are ditching them
Employers are ending returnship programs designed to help individuals re-enter the workforce after career breaks. This rollback could hinder efforts to address unemployment.
- Nigerian migrants returning from South Africa face the same economic issues they left behind
Nigerian migrants repatriated from South Africa due to anti-immigrant violence face similar economic challenges in Nigeria, including unemployment and power outages. Iniebong James, a repatriated car mechanic, reports struggles to find work and recalls bribing officials to operate in South Africa before his return.
- [RSA] I was so convinced I finally got employed
A Reddit user described feeling a glimmer of hope after securing what they believed to be a job opportunity, leading to emotional outbursts and promises to family. However, after submitting a Memorandum of Employment to Claude AI, which flagged it as suspicious, the user expressed self-pity and confusion over the potential scam.
- UK Unemployment Falls, Wages Grow Faster Than Expected
UK unemployment has decreased, and wage growth has exceeded expectations. The report highlights positive trends in the labor market with falling unemployment rates and accelerated wage increases.
- Europe Intelligence Brief — Tuesday, June 16, 2026
Spain is shedding jobs at twice the European Union rate despite leading in economic growth, while Britain faces unemployment challenges.
- RBA interest rates: Reserve Bank holds official cash rate at 4.35% as economy slows and unemployment rises
The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) maintained the official cash rate at 4.35% following three consecutive rate hikes in 2026. The decision comes as the economy slows and unemployment rises, with the RBA indicating potential for further rate increases.
- Inside the unique challenges of military spouse entrepreneurs: 'Not everybody is going to understand this life'
Military spouses are turning to entrepreneurship due to high unemployment rates but face significant barriers to success. A growing coalition is advocating for increased support to address these challenges.
- Congress to organise job fair on Rahul Gandhi’s birthday
Congress is organizing a job fair in Delhi on June 18 with over 150 participating companies. The party alleges unemployment and exam paper leaks have reached record levels during Modi's tenure.
- India’s viral Cockroach Party launches nationwide youth protests
India's Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) launched nationwide youth protests demanding Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation over exam irregularities and paper leaks. The movement, sparked by Supreme Court judge Surya Kant's 'cockroach' remark about unemployed youth, uses humor and satire to address unemployment, rising costs, and government accountability.
- Why tens of thousands of young Indians are calling themselves cockroaches
Young Indians are protesting unemployment and government corruption through a satirical 'Cockroach Janta Party' movement, inspired by a Supreme Court comment comparing some youth to 'cockroaches.' The protest, involving cockroach masks and social media campaigns, targets high youth unemployment rates and failures in education and governance.
- At 54, I found myself out of work and I was rejected from hundreds of roles. Then, I discovered 'CV-Botoxing' and was offered a senior job with a top salary in just two weeks. Step by step, this is exactly how I did it
A 54-year-old individual who was unemployed and rejected from hundreds of roles used 'CV-Botoxing' to secure a senior job with a top salary within two weeks.
- Seattle unemployed worker stretches $690 per week | Affording Seattle
Unemployment is rising in the Seattle metro area, with unemployed workers receiving $690 per week in benefits that barely cover basic living costs.
- New U.S. college grads now have higher unemployment than the average worker
Recent U.S. college graduates now have a higher unemployment rate compared to the average worker, according to an article on randalolson.com. The article has 40 points and 15 comments on Hacker News.
- Africa: South Africa Unrest Grows As Migrants Become 'Scapegoats'
South Africa is experiencing rising anti-migrant tensions as vigilante groups demand undocumented foreign nationals leave by June. Post-apartheid specialist Cécile Perrot attributes the violence to deeper social and economic issues, noting migrants are increasingly scapegoated for poverty and unemployment.
- The economy added 172,000 jobs in May as unemployment held steady
The economy added 172,000 jobs in May with unemployment remaining steady. Leisure and hospitality saw the largest gain of 70,000 jobs, while financial activities were a notable weak spot.
- Latest data show Californian conundrum: high growth but high unemployment
California's labor market is described as 'weak' with rising tech layoffs, despite the state's high economic growth. New data highlights the contradiction between growth and elevated unemployment.
- US jobless aid filings, a proxy for layoffs, hit highest level since Iran war began in February
US jobless aid filings rose to 225,000 in the week ending May 30, the highest since the Iran war began in February, though layoffs remain historically low. The war has driven oil prices up 50%, with gas prices now at $4.24 per gallon, and contributed to rising inflation, which hit 3.8% in April 2025. Companies like Verizon, UPS, Amazon, Disney, Starbucks, and Walmart have recently cut jobs amid economic uncertainty.
- Business Warns Johannesburg Crisis Risks South African Recovery
Business warns that a crisis in Johannesburg could risk South Africa's economic recovery. The country's unemployment rate dropped to its lowest level in over five years in Q4, with community and social services and construction sectors adding jobs.
- Prolonged energy disruption from Iran war would be severe blow to global economy: Research
A new economic outlook from the OECD warns that prolonged energy supply disruptions due to the Iran war would severely impact the global economy, likely causing recessions and increased unemployment.
- OECD warns Trump, Iran have a month to reopen Strait of Hormuz – or risk major economic slowdown
The OECD warned that prolonged fuel disruptions from the Iran war could trigger a global recession, high inflation, and rising unemployment. It gave Trump and Iran one month to reopen the Strait of Hormuz to prevent economic fallout.
- Young and unemployed? Remote work, not AI, may be the problem, study finds
A study by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York found that remote work, not AI, is the primary driver of higher unemployment rates for young college graduates. Businesses are less likely to hire inexperienced workers for remote roles due to challenges in training and mentoring them, while older workers in these roles face lower unemployment. The study also noted minimal impact of AI on youth unemployment.
- California teens desperate for summer work hit a wall as unemployment doubles national average
California teens seeking summer work are encountering high unemployment, with a 23.3% unemployment rate in April, double the national average.
- Pope Leo is concerned about AI replacing human work. Traders share his concern long term
Pope Leo, the leader of the Catholic Church, expressed concerns about artificial intelligence disrupting the labor market. Traders on Kalshi predict a rise in unemployment before 2030 due to AI advancements.
- Government 'pouring fuel on the fire' of unemployment as costs soar for employers, leading recruitment boss warns
A leading recruitment boss warns that government policies are exacerbating unemployment by increasing employer costs. The criticism highlights concerns over economic strategies fueling job market instability.
- China looks for signs of optimism in its housing market
China's housing market shows mixed signals with home prices rising in major cities and fewer panic listings, leading some economists to predict a recovery later this year. However, others remain skeptical, arguing the uptick is temporary as China's economy faces challenges including high unemployment, slowing investment, and weak retail sales growth.
- Parody Cockroach Janta political party’s rise reflects youth anger in India
A parody political party called Cockroach Janta, symbolized by a cockroach, has become a viral sensation in India as a form of satirical protest. The movement began after a high court judge compared unemployed youth to cockroaches and has evolved into a social media outlet for young people's frustration with corruption, joblessness, and political dysfunction. Millions of Indians are using absurdist humor and memes to express their discontent with the status quo.
- Nearly 40% chances of stagflation by end of 2026, traders say
Traders predict a nearly 40% chance of stagflation by the end of 2026, indicating a mix of high inflation and unemployment. This suggests a pessimistic outlook on the economy. Traders are not optimistic about the state of the economy by the end of this year.