Tagged: Unemployment

While the nation continues to struggle with high unemployment numbers, there’s a bit of good news for Colorado. 

The number of people finding work in nine of Colorado’s largest counties rose between December of 2009 and December of last year.  That’s according the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.  In addition, 5 of those counties had growth rates that exceeded the national average of 0.9%. Weld County led the way with a 2.9% gain.  

Part of an ongoing series

In the months since Randy Howland, 51, was first hired as a customer service representative, his excitement having a job — any job — has turned to defeat.

"This is an anniversary day," says Randy into a recorder he's using to keep audio diaries for NPR's Road Back to Work series. "I've had my $10 an hour job now for four months."

Colorado teens looking for jobs will see a tough job market this year, but initial numbers released by the outplacement firm Challenger, Gray & Christmas are showing a positive start. Employment of 16- to 19-year olds grew by 71,000 in May nationwide, a “vast improvement” from the previous year.