Catherwood LibraryILR School

A new report from the Labor Department shows that nearly 9 million people are 'underemployed'. The term refers to those who want to be employed full-time, but are only able to find part-time work. Many of the people working in part-time positions are over-qualified, and making much less than they were in previous jobs. The report shows that underemployment is present among all age groups and sectors of the economy, but is especially prevalent among older workers, some of whom are opting to take early Social Security benefits to supplement lowered incomes. The number of those in involuntary part-time jobs is the highest since records began in 1955. Analysts say that underemployment, and using overqualified employees may explain the differences in unemployment rates for college and high school graduates. While the job market is showing slight increases, very few of the positions are full-time.