Why Long-Term Unemployment Is Surging in 2026

Lucas and Luna dig into the latest data on long-term unemployment. Despite a strong headline jobs number—nonfarm payrolls at 158.7 million in April—the share of workers unemployed for 27 weeks or more is climbing. They discuss what's driving this trend, the hidden costs for workers and the economy, and why it matters even as job openings hit 7.6 million. The hosts also explore how the Iran conflict and energy costs are prolonging joblessness for some workers. A data-driven look at a quiet but serious shift in the labor market. #LongTermUnemployment #LaborMarket #JobsReport #Unemployment #JOLTS #NonfarmPayrolls #IranWar #EnergyCosts #Economics #FexingoBusiness #BusinessPodcast #Jobs #WageGrowth #ADP #InitialClaims #EmploymentCostIndex #StayAtHomeWorkers #GigEconomy Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo