CT Dept. of Labor: February Job Losses Reverse January Gains; Unemployment Rate Rises to 4.7%

(Wethersfield, CT) – Connecticut Department of Labor (CTDOL) Commissioner Danté Bartolomeo today released the February labor situation. Connecticut employers shed 4,200 jobs in February after adding a revised 4,200 jobs in January. The state’s unemployment rate rose 0.2% to 4.7%; however, unemployment benefit claims and Trust Fund payments are consistent with this time last year. 

Commissioner Bartolomeo said, “Connecticut’s economy follows national trends. Nationally, we see slower growth, slower hiring, and a shrinking labor force—the state’s labor market is following suit. The February report highlights uncertainties in the job market and economy, but I want to note that CTDOL relies on jobs and employment data over months and years to understand overall economic health. We have another report in a few weeks which will give us additional data points.”

Director Flaherty said, “The February report picked up expected declines from a cold, snowy January and school vacations. While payroll employment is where it was in 2008 and relatively stable; since then, the labor force has grown due to the rise in self-employment. The unemployment rate increase is likely due in part to self-employed workers entering the labor market in search of payroll jobs.” 

The federal Bureau of Labor Statistics continues to produce the national Jobs Opening and Labor Turnover Survey (JOLTS), however, in 2026, they discontinued monthly state reports. CTDOL now reports on job postings data using Help Wanted Online (HWOL), which shows about 85,000 job postings in Connecticut in March. Historically, HWOL and JOLTS job numbers tracked within a few thousand of each other. With slower hiring, job seekers are in the market longer before finding employment and job posts stay up longer. Additionally, AI has made it easier for employers to post jobs, possibly before they are ready to hire.

KEY TAKEAWAYS FROM THE REPORT
• Connecticut’s labor force declined by 2,100 workers in February.
• Top gainers include Healthcare & Social Assistance; Information; and Manufacturing. 
• The Information sector includes media which likely rose due to the Olympics. 
• February declines include Administrative & Support Services; Other Services; and Transportation & Warehousing.
• Construction declined in February, most likely due to cold and snowy weather. 

VIDEO WITH DIRECTOR OF RESEARCH PATRICK J. FLAHERTY
#DOLDAILY: Major Takeaways from the February report


The March 2026 labor situation report will be released on May 5. 


                                                                                                         -END-