Although productivity growth slowed during 1976-81 for most of the industries surveyed, a majority of significant industries showed advances in output per employee hour in 1981. The growth in industry productivity was consistent with the gain in the nonfarm business sector of the economy, which grew 1.4 percent. (SSH)

Productivity increased in 1981 in the United States, Japan, and European countries studied. Gains ranged from 2 to 4 percent in the US, Japan, France, Germany, Italy, and the Netherlands, to 6 percent in England and Denmark, and more than 7 percent in Belgium. In Canada and Sweden, productivity remained essentially unchanged. (SSH)

This U.S. Department of Agriculture periodical gives current statistical information on rural America. This issue contains articles about the impact on rural areas of economic trends, employment, and industry changes. A general overview indicates that moderate improvements in rural employment since 1986 have been tempered by slow income growth.…