IVMF issues monthly snapshot of employment situation of veterans in America

The Institute for Veterans and Military Families at Syracuse University (IVMF) has begun releasing a fact sheet on the first Friday of each month representing the most current snapshot of the month-to-month change in the employment situation of America’s veterans. The first report was issued in December 2011. An online archive can be found on the IVMF website, vets.syr.edu, by simply clicking on the current employment situation icon.

The simple and concise report includes an overview of noteworthy news, policy and public-private sector initiatives positioned to impact the veteran employment situation. It summarizes and deconstructs data released monthly by the Bureau of Labor and Statistics “Current Population Survey” in a way that provides insight into the changing employment situation of veterans over time, and provides information on specific demographic segments of the veteran population. Further, the report highlights initiatives and programs positioned to support veterans and their families announced or enacted by private industry/government over the prior 30-day period.

The employment situation fact sheet is compiled by Rosalinda V. Maury, IVMF director of research, and Mirza Tihic, IVMF director of employment programs. Already, the data has been cited by news outlets in coverage of stories related to the employment picture for veterans and military families, including the Huffington Post and Albany Times Union.

“In the absence of a simple and comprehensive source summarizing the employment situation of veterans in the U.S., the IVMF made the decision to invest our time and resources in an ongoing effort to summarize and communicate the month-to-month changes in veteran unemployment statistics. Our monthly report also highlights significant legislative initiatives impacting veteran employment and provides insight into some of the most pressing social and economic issues affecting the employment situation of veterans in this country,” says Mike Haynie, IVMF executive director. “Our report provides a wide breadth of information that will benefit numerous stakeholders in the veteran and military families community, including employers, veterans, veteran jobseekers, NGOs and others.”

Those interested in subscribing to receive the latest employment situation report each month may do so by sending an email to vets@syr.edu. Questions or media inquiries about the report may be directed to Jaime Winne Alvarez, IVMF media relations & communications director, at 315-443-0177 or jlwinne@syr.edu.