Group 1 - The job market is currently as challenging as during the pandemic, with 20% of consumers stating jobs are "hard to get," an increase from 18.9% [1] - The Employment Trends Index indicates that the 20% figure is the highest since early 2021, coinciding with lockdowns that limited job opportunities [1] - Job openings have decreased significantly, with a drop of 176,000 in July following a decline of 355,000 in June [2] Group 2 - Small firms are struggling to fill job openings, with 32% reporting difficulties, a slight decrease from 33% in July and 36% in June [3] - Initial claims for unemployment insurance rose slightly in August, nearing May levels, with about 17% of the workforce taking part-time jobs after being laid off from full-time positions [5] - Six of the eight components of the Employment Trends Index were negative in both July and August, marking a potential turning point in business activity and confidence [6]