Particularly as they increase productivity and gradually shrink the labor force through normal retirement and attrition.

NPR: GM to Shed 30,000 Jobs, Offers Union Buyouts

But in a growing economy, high labor-force participation is both normal and desired.

FORBES: Japan Keeps Working at Aging

Reducing the payroll tax therefore raises the returns to work, which under normal circumstances should result in an increase in the supply of labor and an increase in total output, with employers offering jobs to the additional workers.

FORBES: Doubling Down on the Payroll Tax Holiday Still Won't Create Jobs

We are seeing permanent changes in the labor market, and are learning to operate in a new normal.

FORBES: The Best and Worst Cities for Jobs This Fall

This is normal for a depressed market, as beleagured manufacturers move production to regions with lower labor costs.

FORBES: SIA: Semiconductor Sales Flat, Rather than Down