Reply #27: that's really terrible....

[mike_c]

We've hired several new folks during the last couple of years (at my institution). Another DUer remarked down thread that the situation is better in the sciences, as well, and that's where all my experience is. Best of luck to your friends!

On edit-- one other note: all but a couple of the grad students I've graduated during the last 10 years is working in their field, including two that graduated last semester (although there are a couple that I haven't kept in touch with so I can't be sure about all of them-- but their overall success rate seems pretty good to me).