While today's unemployment rates are significantly lower than the COVID-19 pandemic peak of 14.7% experienced in April 2020, the fear of job losses remains as workers stare down an uncertain economic future.

This year looks to be a much better one for the U.S. economy than business economists were forecasting just a few months ago.

The number of Americans applying for jobless benefits fell to its lowest level in five weeks, even as more high-profile companies announce layoffs.

Layoffs spiked in November compared with the previous month and the number of job openings slipped, a sign the job market has stalled as the resurgent coronavirus has forced new shutdowns of restaurants and bars and discouraged consumer spending. While the layoffs were concentrated among restaurants, bars and hotels, the slowdown in job postings was widespread across most industries, showing a reluctance by businesses to hire more people amid a pandemic fueled recession. Layoffs, however, soared 17.6% to 1.9 million, driven mostly by job cuts at restaurants, bars and hotels, which more than doubled. Tuesday’s report, known as the Job Openings and Labor Turnover Survey, or JOLTS, adds more details about hiring and firing by businesses and government agencies. Last week, job postings website Indeed said that while companies listed more jobs in December, the pace had slowed from previous months.

POLK COUNTY, Fla. The Polk County Sheriffs Office is looking for qualified individuals to work as substitute crossing guards in various locations throughout the county. The crossing guard positions would be located in Lakeland, Bartow, Fort Meade, Haines City and Davenport. Anyone interested in applying for a position in Haines City or Davenport, contact Supervisor Courtney Connell at (863) 534-7300 ext. School Crossing Guard services are provided by the Polk County Sheriffs Office through funds provided by the Polk County Board of County Commissioners. This vital program provides adult crossing guards at selected hazardous school crossings to ensure the safety of our elementary school children walking to and from school, officials said.