Express Employment Professionals is raising concerns about the US’ falling labor force participation rate in a new report released today.

The labor force participation rate hit 62.5% in November and 62.6% in December, according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics. Express, one of the largest staffing firms in the US, reports the labor force as a percentage of population has not been this low since 1977.

“We cannot continue to make the mistake of overlooking the dropping labor force participation rate and this almost unprecedented trend we’re facing,” said Bob Funk, CEO of Express, and a former chairman of the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City. “If we do, we are ignoring millions of struggling Americans — and that is unacceptable. This isn’t just about an aging population; it’s about a not-so-hidden weakness we must confront.”

Express’ white paper report on the subject includes suggestions on ways to help.