Benefits

Applications for weekly unemployment benefits spiked last week, largely because companies let go of thousands of workers after the holiday season. More >

Florida’s limping economy will sustain a further blow if Congress does not extend emergency unemployment benefits set to expire Jan. 1. The state stands to lose roughly $30 million a week in direct benefits and even more in the loss of mortgage payments, grocery purchases and other spending the out-of-work may no longer be able to afford. More >

Hamstrung by budget cuts and a tight debt ceiling, President Barack Obama is preparing a September jobs package with limited tools at his disposal to prime the economy and crank up employment. More >

The state of Ohio says you don’t get anything for free — not even free money, $176.3 million worth from the federal government to expand benefits for jobless Ohioans. More >

QANTAS is on a collision course with its unionised workforce over plans to axe 1000 jobs and set up two new airlines based in Asia to try to save its international flying division from financial oblivion.

The plan drew fire from unions who warned of legal and industrial action, while federal Transport Minister Anthony Albanese made it clear the government would not allow the Australian airline to breach the terms of the Qantas Sale Act. More >

Starting in January, the maximum number of weeks someone can receive state unemployment benefits in Florida will fall from 26 weeks to 23. If the state’s unemployment rate continues to fall, benefits could be shortened to as little as 12 weeks, under a bill signed yesterday by Gov. Rick Scott.  More >