Feb. 5, 2010
CONTACTS:
AARP National: Mary Liz Burns or Dave Nathan, 202-434-2560
January 2010 BLS report paints bleak picture for older workers
AARP Executive Vice President Nancy A. LeaMond released the following statement in reaction to the Bureau of Labor Statistics unemployment report for January 2010:
“This most recent snapshot of unemployment in America shows that older workers are facing disturbing declines in three areas since the start of the recession—dwindling job opportunities, longer duration of unemployment, and diminished financial security. Older workers continue to suffer catastrophic job losses, and once unemployed, they tend to remain out of work longer. With the worst unemployment rates in over 60 years, older Americans are also faced with skyrocketing health care costs and shrinking retirement accounts that threaten their health and financial well-being.
“As Congress turns its attention to addressing the nation’s high unemployment rate, AARP encourages our elected leaders to include the needs of older Americans in any jobs relief measures, including extension of unemployment and health insurance benefits. We also are committed to work with Congress and the Administration to provide $250 in economic relief to millions of Americans who rely on Social Security to pay their bills, but have faced frozen benefits this year.
“AARP will continue to highlight the important contributions of older workers in this economy, and assist those who are struggling to get back on the job.”
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