BR 9/12/13
1.) This article is saying that jobs are becoming harder and harder to find. They rates of people seeking jobless assistance has increased recently. Job seekers are probably reading this article and wishing they already had a job. In my opinion, they probably see this article as a no hope.
2.) No, this means the economy is probably falling rather than improving. If people are without jobs and it's not looking good to get jobs, then the economy shouldn't be improving.