America’s unemployment rate rose above the 10 per cent mark in October to reach a 26-year high after jobless figures rose by 190,000 last month. The largest job losses in October were in construction, manufacturing, and retail trade. Health care employment continued to increase in October with extra 29,000 jobs. Since the start of the recession, health care has added 597,000 positions. Temporary help services also added 34,000 jobs in October.

Existing-home sales bounced back strongly in September with first-time buyers driving much of the activity, marking five gains in the past six months. The national average existing-home price for all housing types was $174,900 in September, which is 8.5 percent lower than September 2008. Distressed properties continue to distort downwards the average price because they generally sell at a discount relative to traditional homes in the same area.

The American time use survey focuses on the average amount of time per day that American individuals worked, did household activities, cared for household children, participated in educational activities, and engaged in leisure and sports activities. It also includes measures of the average time per day spent providing childcare.

The American unemployment rate rose to 9.7 percent in August, the highest since June 1983, as employers lost a net total of 216,000 jobs. Average weekly earnings in August rose by only 0.8 percent to $624.29 due to reductions in the average working week.

For the first time in five years, American home sales have increased for four months in a row. The American median existing-home price for all housing types was $178,400 in July, which is 15.1 percent lower than July 2008. Distressed properties continue, however, to weigh down the median price because they typically sell for 15 to 20 percent less than traditional homes.

USA payroll employment continued to decline in July, and the unemployment rate was little changed at 9.4 percent. Job losses continued in almost all of the major industry sectors.

The United States added nearly 1 million self-employed/nonemployer businesses, bringing the total to 21.7 million, an annual growth rate of 4.5 percent. Three economic sectors made up more than 40 percent of the total receipts — real estate services; professional, technical and scientific services; and specialty trade contractors.

The American average existing-home price was $170,300 in January, down 14.8 percent from a year earlier. A high prevalence of distressed home sales, and of those in lower price ranges has skewed the average price to be markedly lower than under normal market conditions.

American job losses in February were large and widespread across nearly all major industry sectors with healthcare again proving to be the exception.

The American Government is considering a pilot programme that would allow temporary visa holders with special medical skills to enlist in the army and have the opportunity to apply for citizenship immediately.