labor lawAdivision of labor law center

Here is good news about federal employment for young veterans. According to a recent study, the unemployment rate for veterans aged 20 to 24 dropped like a heavy rock in 2006. Overall, the unemployment rate went from 15.6 percent in 2005 to 10.4 percent in 2006. That’s a 33.3 percent decrease in just one year!

The improvement in the employment rate for young veterans is the biggest jump in more than a decade.

“It is encouraging to see this significant drop in the unemployment rate of young veterans,” said Secretary of Labor Elaine L. Chao. “Helping America’s servicemen and women successfully transition to civilian jobs when they leave the Armed Forces is a top priority of this department and these latest numbers show that progress is being made.”

There’s positive news for veterans in other age groups, as well. Overall, veterans have lower unemployment rates than others in their age groups. The US Labor Department’s Veterans’ Employment and Training Service (VETS) operates a number of programs to protect the employment rights of veterans and to help them succeed in the 21st century workforce. Obviously, the VETS program is doing something right.

“For the past several years, we have stepped up our efforts to meet the needs of transitioning service members and protect their employment rights,” stated Charles Ciccolella, Assistant Secretary of Labor for Veterans’ Employment and Training. “We are heartened by the improved employment outcomes last year. We also continue to reach out to employers through the HireVetsFirst.gov campaign, to emphasize the values veterans bring to their businesses, and help them recruit veterans.”

As you may already know, for those veterans wishing to return to their pre-military employers, the Department of Labor protects their re-employment rights under the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act, more popularly known as USERRA.

Last 10 posts by Amelia

• EEOC Updates Definition of ADA Disability - April 20th, 2011
• New Utah Immigration Law - April 15th, 2011
• Drunk Employees Not Protected by ADA - April 13th, 2011
• 18 States Consider Limits on Use of Credit Reports in Screening - March 30th, 2011
• California May Expand Employee Rights - March 18th, 2011
• New I-9 Handbook - March 4th, 2011
• Reporting Time Pay Varies By State - February 18th, 2011
• Inclement Weather and Payroll - February 9th, 2011
• Avoid Workplace Violence - February 4th, 2011
• Rhode Island Governor Repeals E-Verify - January 26th, 2011