Why 2026 Could Be Tough for Job Hunters and Employers Alike

Is the labor market getting worse for employers, or for job seekers? Yes. And forecasters expect that to continue into the new year. Several trends have combined to create a labor market that isn't working out well for anyone. Job seekers are seeing fewer openings and staying unemployed longer—the long-term unemployment rate hit its highest since November 2021 in September. Yet, employers are having a hard time finding qualified candidates, with certain industries, such as homebuilding, suffering from labor ...