Unemployment benefits set to expire for millions of Americans - September 3, 2021

Millions of unemployed Americans face losing a financial lifeline as three weekly federal unemployment benefits programs are set to expire this weekend. The cutoffs come as the number of people applying for aid dropped to its lowest level during the pandemic. The expiration is expected to show the true state of the U.S. jobs market, although economists have suggested that the availability of the benefits had less influence on returning to work than other concerns like health risks and fewer and more expensive childcare options. UBS Group CEO Ralph Hamers announced that any staff members who do not want to get a coronavirus vaccine can apply to work from home, suggesting a flexible approach as banks struggle to get employees back to the office. A recent survey found that 4 in 10 Manhattan employers have delayed their return to the office deadlines as the delta variant surges, though more than three-quarters of respondents expect to be back in the office by January 2022. New legislation in Texas concerning voting and abortion has prompted concern from some of the state’s largest companies. American Airlines and Dell expressed disappointment over the state’s election laws, while Bumble and Match established a fund to help Texas workers affected by the state’s abortion law. Some warned the laws may harm Texas’s attraction for employers, but Gov. Greg Abbot argued the laws enjoy support in the business community. Ford and General Motors announced cuts in production as the global chip shortage continues to affect supply chains. Ford’s U.S. sales dropped 33% in the last month as predictions that the shortage would ease by late 2021 appear over-optimistic, although a primary supplier for Nissan said manufacturers will ramp up production again during the fiscal year. The CDC recommended unvaccinated people avoid travel this Labor Day weekend as 51 million Americans said they plan to travel, according to one survey. The CDC urged caution from vaccinated travelers as well, however, some airline passengers said a prima