The types and characteristics of benefits offered in medium and large firms and those offered in state and local governments differ but the incidence of benefits is similar. (JOW)

The Bureau of Labor Statistics' first survey of benefits available to state and local government employees reveals that public pension plans tend to provide more liberal benefits but are more likely to require employee contributions than are their private sector counterparts. (Author)

Although the average wage is higher for workers in state and local governments, professional and administrative workers typically earn more in the private sector. (JOW)

More than one-third of the Nation's new jobs in recent years were generated by State and local government spending. (Editor)

Minorities and White women made significant gains in upper-level city government jobs over the 1976-1983 period; however, their salaries continued to lag behind those of White men. (Author)

Describes how local area unemployment statistics are developed by state employment security agencies to provide the Bureau of Labor Statistics with data on the insured unemployed by county of residence. Includes a discussion of the handbook method, a consistent and uniform method of estimating total unemployment for states and areas. (Editor/TA)

Describes recent federal legislation under which the local area unemployment statistics (LAUS) program will play an important role in allocating billions of dollars in economic aid to states and local areas. Major issues resulting from a review of the LAUS program (procedures, methods, reliability requirements) are discussed. (Editor/TA)