Archive for August, 2008

Insurance Merger Could Result in Philadelphia Job Losses

Wednesday, August 27th, 2008

A merger between two large Pennsylvania insurance companies could result in Philadelphia job cuts.

Independence Blue Cross, located in Philadelphia, is considering a merger with Pittsburgh-based Highmark Inc. According to an article by Philly.com, the merger would create the largest health insurer in the state, but would also lead to between 745 and 1,200 job cuts.

It is not known yet which jobs would be affected. However, a report by Booz Allen Hamilton, the company’s consultant, states the biggest cuts would come in information technology, where 383 to 461 positions would be eliminated. This is the area where the two companies report their lowest turnover, 5 percent for Independence Blue Cross and 3 percent for Highmark.

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Illinois Jobs in Hospitality and Tourism to Grow

Monday, August 18th, 2008

Those currently seeking a job in Illinois may want to check out the state’s hospitality and tourism industry, which is expected to grow over the next six years.

According to an article by the Illinois Department of Employment Security, employment in the hospitality and tourism industry is expected to grow about as fast as the average for all occupations through 2014.

“Job opportunities in the hospitality industry should be plentiful, especially in urban areas,” the article notes. “The large number of young and part-time workers in this industry generate substantial replacement needs. Numerous job opportunities will be available for people with limited job skills, first-time job seekers, senior citizens and those seeking part-time work schedules.

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Boston Jobs Account for Majority of State Gains

Tuesday, August 5th, 2008

Although national and statewide unemployment rates are up, Massachusetts has managed to flourish, particularly by adding more Boston jobs.

In July, according to a Massachusetts Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development Division of Unemployment Assistance article, 10 of the 12 labor market areas in Massachusetts showed job gains, with seasonal gains reported in construction, trade, transportation and utilities, professional, scientific and business services and leisure and hospitality.

The Boston-Cambridge-Quincy area added the most new jobs in July, and there also have been more new jobs in Boston this year than last year.

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