According to data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the March jobless rate fell to 8.2 percent – a 0.1 percent drop from February, as the private sector added 121,000 jobs.
The number of those who are long-term unemployed – or jobless for 27 weeks or more – remained fairly unchanged at 5.3 million (42.5 percent of all unemployed), although that is around 1.4 million less than April 2010's figures.
Industry sectors with the greatest gains were healthcare, manufacturing and food and beverage.
As a result of these figures, the ManpowerGroup offered guidance for employers on how to deal with the sluggish economic recovery.
"Just as a financial planner would advise clients to diversify their portfolios, we recommend employers meet fluctuating demand by balancing their workforces with the right mix of talent – including permanent hires, temporary workers and part-time staff," said CEO Jeff Joerres. "A flexible workforce enables companies to stay profitable as economic volatility persists in the U.S. and worldwide."
What's more, the workforce solutions company found that 52 percent of U.S. companies are struggling to fill key jobs. To rectify the problem, it's suggested that educators and employers collaborate so prospective workers gain the skills needed in their respective industries.
