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Unemployment rates fell in 43 states in November, reflecting a modest pickup in the nation's job market. Nationally, the unemployment rate dropped in November to 8.6%, the lowest since March 2009.

To retain and attract top employees, U.S. companies are turning to perks such as subsidized training and flexible work conditions rather than raises. These incentives are finding a welcome among employees, too, especially educational benefits.

New forecasts show that the worst may be over for the construction industry, which was hit harder by the Great Recession than any other sector, as construction projects slowly resume. Some 27% of construction firms say they plan to add staff this year, while only 20% plan to cut jobs.

Tech layoffs came to just under 47,000 last year, according to employment-services firm Challenger, Gray & Christmas. Better still, during the next 10 years, the sector is forecast to have one of the fastest paces of job creation of any industry.

An increasing number of observers, citing a preponderance of positive data, are optimistic that the stagnant labor market is finally beginning to gain momentum. But the pace is still way too slow for those desperately seeking work.

When DailyFinance first met Candido Gonzalez last December for our "New Homeless" report, the New Yorker had been laid off for two years from his job of 19 years -- and living at the Bowery Mission. Today, the father of two finally has a job and a new outlook.

UPS is taking on temporary staff to work in positions including package sorters and driver helpers. They will work through the company's busy season, which covers the holiday period from Thanksgiving to Christmas.

Wal-Mart Stores Inc (WMT) will increase its workforce by 36% in the next five years to take advantage of growing international demand. The new hires will take the company's headcount to 3 million, from 2.2 million now, Susan Chambers, executive vice president for human resources, said at a...

Two consecutive months of sales gains among the nation's retailers may provide just enough confidence to trigger increased seasonal hiring this year. Even so, pre-recession hiring levels aren't likely.

A fresh batch of data show that the job market may finally have turned the corner despite last month's uptick in the national unemployment rate to 9.6%. Among them: Fewer initial claims for unemployment and a smallest monthly layoff total since June 2000.