Bleak national employment picture changed little in August

The US Bureau of Labor Statistics today announced the national employment and unemployment numbers for August.

The economy added 169,000 jobs - better than July, but not nearly the job growth we would expect in even an average economic recovery.

The unemployment rate edged down to 7.3 percent from July's 7.4 percent. At 7.1 percent in July, Maryland's unemployment rate is now approaching the national average. Historically, Maryland unemployment has remained significantly below the US rate.

The number of long-term unemployed (over 27 weeks) was essentially unchanged at 4.3 million. last week, we discussed the unprecedented levels of long-term employment, and how it affects communities, families and children in addition to the workers themselves.