What the Latest Jobs Report Means for You and Your Rights at Work
- Christopher Stockwell
- Aug 2
- 2 min read
In July 2025, the U.S. economy added just 73,000 jobs, far fewer than expected, and unemployment rose to 4.2 percent. Job openings are shrinking, and more workers are staying unemployed longer. Sectors like health care are still hiring, but others, including manufacturing, professional services and federal jobs, are cutting back.
So what does this mean for you as a worker?
Layoffs Are Rising — But You Still Have Protections
Layoffs can be disorienting and sudden, but that doesn’t mean they’re always legal. If your company lays off a large group of employees, they may be required to provide advance notice under the WARN Act. You might also be eligible for severance pay, unemployment benefits or continued health coverage.
And if your termination was connected to you requesting an accommodation, reporting discrimination or simply being part of a protected group, such as workers 40 and over, pregnant employees or people with disabilities, you may have a case for wrongful termination.
Tough times don’t give employers the right to ignore your civil rights. In fact, economic pressure can lead to more subtle or overt discrimination and retaliation.
We’ve seen employers:
Push out older workers first in layoffs
Deny accommodations to employees with disabilities
Demote or fire pregnant workers or caregivers
Retaliate against employees who speak up about harassment or bias
Keep records, trust your instincts, and know that you have legal protections, even when the job market feels unstable.
If you’ve been laid off, demoted, retaliated against, or treated unfairly at work, you don’t have to face it alone. An experienced employment attorney can help you understand your rights and what to do next.
Stockwell Law Firm is a Seattle-based firm focused on employee and civil rights.We represent workers in cases involving wrongful termination, discrimination, retaliation, and wage violations. We’re fierce advocates for fair treatment and accountability, no matter the economic climate.
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