PROBLEMS WITHOUT ASSISTANCE

Ivanka Trump, daughter of and senior advisor to Donald Trump, is now on a campaign to prepare for the new economy. This is the first indication the White House has recognized the employment debacle as a result of Covid-19. With the recognition that the service economy may take years to recover, a new approach was to throw a slogan campaign into the ether.

The rollout of “Find Something New” to respond to the new normal requiring potential changes requiring those left out to seek new skills. This message was aimed at the 30+ million unemployed and may not have a job as a result of closures and bankruptcies as a result. 

Is her message tone deaf?  The problem arises when you tell someone that they do not have the skills necessary to hold their old job, or their line of work may not exist in the new economy.

Ivanka, Donald’s daughter and on-line bean seller for a Latino foods company (headquatered in NYC) being boycotted for the CEO being cozy with racist Donald, pushed the slogan as the solution for the potential that jobs in some industries will not come back. Travel industry, hospitality, restaurant workers all with specific skills or low skilled that could be most affected. 

This week’s unemployment data shows the problems relative to this issue. Total new unemployment claims 1.3 million. This makes 17 weeks in a row with each week recording higher unemployment numbers than any week in history prior to the pandemic. 30+ million individuals are now unemployed. Racial disparities, age and education level all have an impact on who is employed.

By race: Blacks and Asians were hardest hit during the initial phases of the pandemic.  The peak unemployment was 18% for this group and is now 15-14% respectively. Peak for Hispanics was 21% and is now 13%.  Whites at peak was 16% and is now 9%.

By education level: unemployment is a sliding scale with well educated faring best.  Less than High School education at peak was 26% and now 24%. High School peak 21% now 16%. Some College peak 16% now 10%. With a bachelor’s degree and up high was 6% and is now 2%.  The low unemployment percentages for those with highest education levels could be explained by the ability to work from home.

The Age differential: This category is also telling. Ages 16-24 had the highest unemployment impact and was 30% at the peak and has only reduced to 25% now. The 35-54 age group went from 11% at peak to 7% now.

The above shows white, middle class, educated Americans have the advantage in this new economy. The individuals Ivanka is attempting to reach are the less educated, younger, non- whites.  The “something new” she referenced, requires education and training.

The “Find Something New” suggestion was just an empty slogan without any plans for how, no dollars for implementation and skill development.  I have long known the effects of the virus will be long felt in certain sectors and adjustments will be necessary, however, leadership is necessary to plan for and provide funding for re-training. This administration has been good at pointing out problems and short on planning and implementation and this slogan is another example.