while unemployment has fallen to very low levels and income is starting to pick up other signs point to a less rosy picture labour force participation including those ofprime age has declined facing possible future shocks from automation taking stock of factors that help workers find jobs and remain in employment can help improve labour market performance there are a number of economywide features including providing workers with adequate skills easing barriers to taking jobs arising from child and elderly care responsibilities and addressing the problems of felony records and drug abuse can pose for job search