There's Still Time to Find a Job This Year
A new study has found that the period between Thanksgiving and New Year's is the best time to land a new job. The researchers say that since many companies' budget approvals expire at the end of the year, in December managers are eager to fill available positions. Another explanation: The holiday mood makes interviewing easier and more productive.

Employers Absorb Health Care Cost Increases
Most employers did not make their workers pay more for health insurance in 1999, a new survey has found. Next year, companies are expected to pay an additional 7.5 percent for their employees' health insurance, but only 25 percent say they will pass these costs on to their workers. Experts say a tight labor market and strong economy are behind the companies' decisions.

Energy Department Employees Will Face Polygraphs
Scientists who have access to the government's nuclear secrets will have to pass polygraph tests in order to keep their jobs, the Energy Department has announced. While the department had announced earlier that as 10,000 workers would be affected, the final number will be only around 800. The increased security comes in response to charges that a former computer scientist for the government sold top-secret information to the Chinese.

Wall Street Bonuses Announced
More than $13 billion in bonuses will be handed out to Wall Street's brokers and traders this year, according to the Securities Industry Association. With stocks continuing to trade at near record levels, the bonuses will represent an 18 percent increase over last year -- and a new record. Wall Street bonuses have risen steadily over the last decade, with exceptions only in 1994 and 1998.