[dangus]

It’s no secret that Americans discouraged from the workforce is a big problem, but why the sudden jump this month?

I wonder how much of the surge was due to illegal aliens deciding not to file anymore paperwork (such as unemployment filings) with the government. Or being selected for termination for the job cuts that did come.

[Myrddin]

The jump could be due to reduced hiring for holiday season jobs in anticipation of poorer sales. I haven't seen near the hiring offers this year. Stores and parking lots don't seem nearly as jammed as most years.