Small Business Job Prospects Still Dim for Long-term Unemployed | Your Bottom Line

Bad regulations and higher taxes that discourage small business owners from hiring aren't the only challenges facing the long-term unemployed, says NFIB chief economist Bill Dunkelberg in this episode of Your Bottom Line. "The average time an individual goes without work has risen substantially since 2007," Dunkelberg said. "This contributes to a decline in work skills and reduces the chance that an unemployed worker can find another job." A Bureau of Labor Statistics measurement that incorporates those who have given up looking for work or have been forced to retire early puts the unemployment rate above 14%. 1:59

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Fast Facts

At the peak of the boom, housing starts reached an annual rate of 2.2 million units.
At its lowest point during the recession, housing starts plunged to 500,000 units yearly, killing millions of jobs.

Your Bottom Line

NFIB's new web series, "Your Bottom Line," helps small business owners learn more about what drives the economy and how economic issues affect their businesses.

William Dunkelberg, NFIB's chief economist and one of the nation's top experts on small business, entrepreneurship, consumer behavior and consumer credit policy, hosts the series.

Look for a new video each week.