(Wethersfield, CT) – Connecticut Department of Labor (CTDOL) Commissioner Danté Bartolomeo today released the jobs data for October and November; both were delayed due to the federal government shutdown. Connecticut’s unemployment rate rose slightly from 3.8% in September to 4.0% in November; this is still low by historic standards and remains below the national rate of 4.6%. Jobs data is mixed with October down 700 jobs and November up 2,100 jobs. September job numbers were revised to a 6,800 loss from the estimated 5,700 loss reported in December.
Commissioner Bartolomeo said, “After several years of strong job growth that created a job seekers’ market, the economy is now more competitive—it takes job seekers longer to find employment than it has in the recent past. CTDOL encourages job seekers at all career levels to get job search help from their local American Job Center. AJCs help residents build resumes, navigate AI screening, and make the most of job fairs where candidates can meet employers face-to-face.”
In 2025, CTDOL, American Job Center (AJC), and employer partners hosted 100 in-person and virtual job fairs that were attended by 10,000+ job seekers and assisted 62,000 residents seeking help with resume building, job search, and training workshops.
CTDOL Director of Research Patrick Flaherty said, “Looking ahead to 2026, we expect a modest growth year as long as the U.S. economy avoids an economic downturn. Connecticut’s economy follows the nation—hiring has slowed nationally and is slowing in Connecticut as well. We’re still in positive territory, but we’re seeing indications in the private sector and across industries that growth is lagging behind last year.”
While Connecticut’s Labor Force Participation Rate of 64% remains higher than the national rate of 62.5%, the state’s labor force has decreased by 19,600 since January. Federal immigration policies may impact these numbers. Connecticut employers rely on an immigrant workforce to offset retirements in Connecticut’s aging workforce and the state’s low birthrate; 23% of Connecticut workers are born outside of the U.S.
Topline Information from the Report:
• Overall, Connecticut job growth is +1,800 from November 2024 to November 2025.
• Private sector payrolls were up 1,900 in November after a 900 decline in October. • Health Care & Social Assistance is up 1,700 in November and recovered September losses.
• Construction is at the highest level since August 2008, a trend expected to continue with infrastructure and housing initiatives.
• Retail continues a slow downward trajectory. The sector was up 200 jobs in November, not enough to offset September and October losses.
Initial unemployment claims are just under 30,000, slightly higher than last year at this time when they were around 25,000.
#DOLDaily video with CTDOL Director of Research Patrick Flaherty:
#DOLDaily Major Takeaways from the October and November reports.
The federal Bureau of Labor Statistics has not yet scheduled the December Labor Situation release. It will be posted to their list of release dates. CTDOL will send out a media advisory a day before the December numbers are released.
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For Immediate Release: January 6, 2026