A new Gallup poll released Tuesday showed that, during the month of January, 19.9% of the U.S. workforce was underemployed.
According to the poll, which surveyed 20,503 adults January 2 - 31, those who were underemployed spent 36% less than those who were employed. Those underemployed spent $48 per day compared to $75 per day spending for those who were employed.
In addition, only 29% of those underemployed felt good about the amount of money they have to spend. Comparatively, 60% of those employed felt good about how much money they have to spend.
The poll further found that only 25% of those underemployed would be able to make a major purchase if needed. Meanwhile, 58% of those employed said they would be able.
The underemployed faired better with having the money to purchase things they need, with 58% saying they had enough. For the employed, 84% said they have enough money for the things they need.
In terms of not having enough money to buy things, 36% of the underemployed said they did not have enough money to buy food at one point during the last 12 months. Among the employed, 13% said they did not have the money to buy food at some point in the last 12 months.
When it comes to providing shelter, 19% of the underemployed said they did not have enough money to do so at some point in the last year. Only 6% of the employed faced not having enough money for shelter.
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June 12, 2026 17:14 ET Major central bank action was the focus this week in economic news. The European Central Bank became the first major central bank to move in response to the rising inflationary pressures in the backdrop of the conflict in the Middle East. In North America, the U.S. inflation and trade data as well as Canada’s central bank decision gained attention. The Chinese trade data was the main news in Asia.