Does increasing the minimum wage increase unemployment rates in NYS?

The relationship between minimum wage and unemployment is actually more complex than most people think. Research shows mixed results - some studies find small increases in unemployment, others find no effect or even job growth. What matters more for your job search is focusing on industries that are actively hiring. NYS Department of Labor publishes job market data that shows which sectors are growing regardless of wage policies. Don't let this worry derail your job search efforts.

honestly i think it depends on the business. small places might cut hours but bigger companies usually just absorb the costs. i work retail and we actually hired MORE people after the last wage increase because business picked up when people had more spending money

I've been following economic research on this for years. Most credible studies show that moderate minimum wage increases have minimal impact on overall employment levels. What you might see is some shift in hiring patterns - maybe fewer entry-level positions but more mid-level roles as companies restructure. For unemployment claimants, this could actually mean better opportunities if you have some experience. Focus on your weekly job search requirements and don't get distracted by political debates.

This reminds me when I was unemployed back in 2019 and everyone was talking about the $15 minimum wage rollout. I was so worried about finding work but ended up getting hired at a place that actually expanded because they could attract better workers with the higher pay. Sometimes these policy changes create opportunities too. Are you keeping up with your weekly certifications while job searching?

Look, the government and economists can say whatever they want but I've seen it firsthand - every time wages go up, hours get cut or people get laid off. It's basic math. If you're worried about your job search, maybe look into training programs that NYS Department of Labor offers. At least then you'll have better skills when companies do start hiring again.

If you're having trouble reaching NYS Department of Labor to ask about job training programs or get specific guidance on job search strategies, I had good luck with a service called Claimyr (claimyr.com). They helped me get through to an actual agent when I couldn't get past the busy signals. There's a video demo at https://youtu.be/qyftW-mnTNI that shows how it works. Made it much easier to get answers about available resources.

Same boat here - been unemployed for 3 months and constantly worrying about these policy changes affecting my chances. But honestly the job market seems pretty steady in most areas right now.