News and Advice

Outlook darkens on Mass. job picture in ’10
The Massachusetts economy will shed tens of thousands of jobs over the next year, with the unemployment rate peaking near 10 percent in the middle of 2010, according to a forecast released yesterday. (By Robert Gavin, Boston Globe)

Stimulus fund job benefits exaggerated, review finds
While Massachusetts recipients of federal stimulus money collectively report 12,374 jobs saved or created, a Globe review shows that number is wildly exaggerated. Organizations that received stimulus money miscounted jobs, filed erroneous figures, or claimed jobs for work that has not yet started. (By Jenn Abelson and Todd Wallack, Boston Globe)

Workplace affairs can lead to trouble
He’s a married, middle-aged media star. She’s two decades his junior and works down the hallway. The two begin a sexually charged “fling’’ that turns into something more complicated. Feelings get hurt, threats get made. In the long run, the only winners are the lawyers. (By Joseph P. Kahn, Boston Globe)

Economist sees 13% US jobless rate
WASHINGTON - The US unemployment rate may rise to a post-World War II high of 13 percent in the aftermath of the recession, said David Rosenberg, chief economist at Gluskin Sheff & Associates Inc. in Toronto. (Boston Globe)

Stocks soar, but not jobs
How long can the stock market and the job market keep heading in opposite directions? (By Steven Syre, Boston Globe)

Employer may have to pay for ‘waiting time’
Q. To make ends meet, I work part time at a retail store. The store closes at one time, and the employees are all scheduled until half an hour later. We never end up being allowed to leave until half an hour (or later) after our scheduled time. Also, when we are told to punch out, we’re not allowed to ... (By Elaine Varelas, Boston Globe)

Goal of discipline is correcting problem, not chastising worker
Q. How do you respond to an employee you supervise who is unresponsive and ill-mannered, after many attempts to correct the issues? (By Peter Post, Boston Globe)

Job seekers urged to be persistent
Competition for jobs in Massachusetts will remain fierce well into next year, the state’s top labor official said yesterday, as the national unemployment rate soared above 10 percent for the first time in more than 26 years. (By Robert Gavin, Boston Globe)