05/20/2021
CT Dept. Of Labor: Unemployment Rate Falls Slightly To 8.1%
(Wethersfield, CT) – Today, Connecticut Department of Labor (CTDOL) Commissioner Kurt Westby reported that the state’s unemployment rate fell slightly from 8.3% in March to 8.1% in April. Connecticut added 500 jobs last month and has recovered 60% of the 292,400 jobs lost last year.
Commissioner Westby said, “The economy is clearly recovering and while we would have liked to see more robust job growth for April, Connecticut’s unemployment rate is dropping, jobs are being added, and the number of people receiving unemployment benefits is declining as people go back to work. These are positive trends.”
Six of the ten major industry supersectors had employment gains in April 2021, while four declined. Over the past year, Connecticut has added more jobs than any other twelve-month period ever.
CTDOL Director of Research Patrick Flaherty said, “Recoveries are uneven—April’s small job gains follow stronger gains in March. Last year at this time, the economy suffered a catastrophe, the gains made over the year are historic. Additionally, evidence of increased job postings and openings suggests Connecticut is poised for larger gains later this year.”
Highlights from the April jobs report:
- Leisure and hospitality showed strong job growth.
- The job growth from April 2020 to April 2021 is the largest twelve-month growth job growth ever recorded.
- The projected economic outlook for fall 2021 and early 2022 is positive.
Director Flaherty videos on the report:
#DOLDaily April 2021 Labor Report Major Takeaways
https://youtu.be/ORrZB889e78
#DOLDaily April 2021 “The economy is adjusting”
https://youtu.be/LIQuhpxsLE0
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Media Contact:
CTDOL Communications Unit
200 Folly Brook Boulevard, Wethersfield, CT 06109-1114
Email: CTDOL.SocialMedia@ct.gov | http://www.ct.gov/dol