Employee Participation

Although unemployment remains high and there's a perception of a talent surplus, human resources professionals might have to choose from limited quantities of high-skilled workers as the widening skills gap makes it difficult for U.S. employers to compete globally, according to a new Deloitte study.

Fewer people sought U.S. unemployment benefits last week, adding to signs that the job market is strengthening.

The median rates of unscheduled employee absences averaged 0.6 percent of scheduled worker days per month through 2011, which is down from 0.8 percent in 2010 and 0.7 percent in 2009, according to an employer survey by Bloomberg BNA.

Labor unions, saying they can't hope to compete with the new breed of conservative fundraising groups, plan to spend less money this year on specific candidates and political party organizations and more on door-to-door canvassing, phone banks and registration drives to help President Barack Obama and other Democrats.

Cigarette and tobacco producer Reynolds American Inc. says it will eliminate 10 percent of its U.S. jobs, effecting about 540 workers, by the end of 2014.

According to Harris Allied, a New York City-based recruiting firm, the first quarter is often when employees look for new job opportunities, but employers can proactively take steps to retain their top talent.

The unemployment rate fell in 45 U.S. states in January, a sign that nearly all of the country is benefiting from an improving economy and job market.

The number of U.S. jobs openings fell in January from a three-and-a-half year high. The modest decline suggests hiring could continue at its healthy pace but may not accelerate.