If employment demand is suffering badly from the evil effects of global recession in the UK, the US, however seems to be experiencing twice the pain. Statistics, recently released, show that around 2,800 mass layoffs occurred during February, leaving almost 300,000 workers unemployed.

On average, each mass layoff resulted in around 50 workers losing their jobs. Reports also show that the manufacturing sector has been experiencing the most pain, with almost 1,300 layoffs, resulting in an estimated 153,000 unemployed workers. In the following month, layoffs increased even more, by roughly 500, increasing to over 200,000 unemployed. From December 2007, which is widely accepted as being the start of the recession and for 15 months after, to sometime in February 2009, layoff figures reached an estimated 30,000, resulting in around 3,000,000 workers becoming unemployed. The unemployment rate for the month of February 2009 was 8.1%, compared to the preceding month’s 7.6% and the previous year’s 4.8%.

February’s mass layoffs gave the western region of the country the top position for the highest number of unemployed, with 65, 792 layoffs. Next in the list was the mid-west region with 64,943 lay offs; third was the southern region with 55,542 layoffs and finally the northeast region with 32,131 layoffs.

On a more positive note, skilled professionals with special abilities are still in great demand and will be considered for visas to America, even in the midst of the recession.

Literally meaning the “Hill of Spring,” Tel Aviv is known for its rich culture, which can be traced back to ancient times. The name can be found in the Book of Ezekiel, a place where the ancient Jews found a new homeland. Indeed, the name “Tel Aviv” is fitting to describe the modern and ever-developing city.

Today, Tel Aviv is the second largest city in Israel, with a land area of 51.8km2 (20.0 sq miles) and the most populous metropolitan area, with an estimated population of 391,300. It is also classified as a global city and is the centre for major economic activities in the country.

Tel Aviv is known for having its own architectural style, inspired by modern international trends that adapt to cultural, climatic and local traditions of the city. This architectural style is best seen on a group of buildings, collectively known as the “White City”, which was designated a World Cultural Heritage Site by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO), in 2003.

Located on the Mediterranean coast, Tel Aviv is a destination for beach goers and water sports enthusiasts. Its municipal beaches are open to the public from 7:00am to 7pm, depending on the season and month.

The tourism association of Tel Aviv offers walking tours around the city and its cultural and entertainment hubs. Tours include visiting Tel Aviv University, the White City and Old Jaffa.

US tourists can fly to Tel Aviv using Delta, Continental or El Al Airlines, while UK visitors have the choice of British Airways and El Al, among others.