Workforce woes grow in recession

WASHINGTON, June 12 (UPI) -- Employment data show the recession has taken its toll on U.S. workers who have jobs, as well as those who do not.

The amount of time put in by those with jobs slipped to 33.1 hours a week, the lowest average work week since 1964 when the Bureau of Labor Statistics began tracking the figure, USA Today reported Friday.

In fact, the bureau says the recession has set several records. But they are not records likely to cheer up workers or economists.

Overtime hours are at a record low, while the part time workforce has grown with a record 9 million part time employees listed as people wanting but unable to find full-time work.

U.S. workers in the private sector found total wages were cut 1.55 percent in the first quarter, an annual rate of 6.2 percent.

"No one has been immune," said Laura Sejen of Watson Wyatt, a consulting firm that specializes in compensation issues.