These Days
Nowadays, Recently
noun
Previous from now are the times around now. They're these days, nowadays, or recently.
さっこん
This is a jukugo word, which usually means on'yomi readings from the kanji. If you know the readings of your kanji you'll know how to read this as well. Just note that さく changes to さっ as many K-column sounds do in situations like this.
昨今はあなたの様な大物にお目にかかれることはめったになくなりましたよ、コウイチさん。
Nowadays it is very rare to meet somebody big like you, Mr. Koichi.
昨今の流行りにあやかって、コウイチはオフィスでしば犬とチンド犬をかうことに決めました。
Owing to recent trends, Koichi decided to have a Shiba-inu and a Jindo in our office.
昨今は就職氷河期だと言われているが、会社を選ばなければどこかには就職できるはずである。
They say it's been a hard time for job seekers these days, but I'm sure you should be able to find a job if you're not picky about the company you work for.