Includes "Introduction" (Neal H. Rosenthal); "Labor Force Projections" (Howard N. Fullerton, Jr.); "Industry Employment Projections" (Arthur Andreassen); and "Occupational Employment Projections" (Carolyn M. Veneri). (JOW)

In 1981, the unemployment rate rose, propelled by cutbacks in housing, auto, and related industries; the employment-population ratio was at a four-year low. Most leading economic indicators were pointing toward further deterioration and industrial production was still heading downward. (Editor/CT)

Evaluates the projections of 1980 economic activity and industry output and employment. Discusses errors in employment projections (especially in underestimations of employment) and determines sources of errors. (SK)

Assessment of Bureau of Labor Statistics' projections found that those published in the early 1970s were based on extrapolating past rates of change and were remarkably accurate. Changed methodology in the 1980s has resulted in significant underprojections of the rapid growth in higher skilled professional and managerial jobs and overprojection of…

In a look ahead at the 1995 labor force, all three projections--high, middle, and low--indicate that women will account for two-thirds of the growth, most of which will occur in the prime working-age group; the Black labor force will grow twice as fast as the White. (CT)

The article summarizes the results of an evaluation of the accuracy of statewide industry and occupational employment projections for 20 states. The authors provide some recommendations, based on evaluation results, to improve subsequent rounds of statewide projections. (CH)

Discusses available Bureau of Labor Statistics data about part-time workers, describing what information is published, and suggests a new combination of the data--all persons who usually work part time--which would provide a more accurate estimate of part-time employment. (CT)

The long-term decrease in farm employment has moderated in recent years, although technological gains continue, and farmers often need to moonlight in nonfarm jobs in order to remain in the business. (Author)