Washington (awp / dpa) – Global supply difficulties, along with manpower shortages and concerns over the Delta variant of Covid-19, have slowed the growth of economic activity in the United States in the early fall, the US Central Bank (Fed) said on Wednesday.
These difficulties, associated with a demand from consumers which remains strong, have caused prices to soar, the Fed noted in its Beige Book, a survey carried out between the end of September and the beginning of October among American companies.
This economic report also mentions short-term prospects which “remain positive”, however with greater “uncertainties” and “more cautious optimism”.
In addition to supply shortages that slow production and drive up prices, business leaders are worried about the employment situation, while the available workers are far fewer than the positions to be filled.
“Transportation and technology companies face a particularly low labor supply, while many retail, hospitality and manufacturing companies have cut back hours or production because of ‘they did not have enough workers “, details the” Beige book “.
There are many resignations and retirements, mainly due to problems with childcare and compulsory vaccination, as well as health concerns.
As a result, wages go up.
US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen said Wednesday morning that the improvement in working and wage conditions was “a good thing for workers”.
She cited in particular those employed in the service sector who “suffered from chronically low wages, poor working conditions and social benefits”.
afp/rp
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