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05/16/2024

CT Dept. Of Labor: Employers Add 1,100 Jobs in April; Unemployment Rate Drops to 4.4%

(Wethersfield, CT) – Today, Connecticut Department of Labor (CTDOL) Commissioner Danté Bartolomeo released the April 2024 Labor Situation report showing that Connecticut’s employers added an estimated 1,100 jobs last month, and the state’s unemployment rate dropped slightly to 4.4%. Overall, payroll jobs are up 21,600 from April 2023. Employers have added an average of 2,500 jobs per month so far in 2024.

Commissioner Bartolomeo said, “Connecticut’s economy remains stable as employers continue to add jobs. Our labor force has expanded for the fourth consecutive month, very good news for employers who remain challenged by the tight labor market. CTDOL congratulates the class of 2024—this is a good market with plenty of opportunity for these new grads. I encourage our newest workforce members to register with CTHires, the state’s job bank, and visit your local American Job Center for help with your job search.”

Due to a low survey response, the March estimated job numbers underwent a significant revision from 4,900 jobs gained to 500 jobs gained. Each month, employers return a survey of payroll jobs which are used to calculate the estimated jobs data for the month. The following month, a revised jobs number is issued that incorporates the initial survey response as well as responses that came in after the deadline. 

CTDOL economist and Director of Research Patrick Flaherty said, “While it’s unusual to have such a wide swing from estimated numbers to the revisions, it’s a good example of why we look at data trends rather than focusing on one month. Some months are stronger than others, but overall, Connecticut’s economy continues to steadily add jobs.”

TOPLINE POINTS FROM THE REPORT:

April gainers were Health Care & Social Assistance; Local Government; Wholesale Trade, Finance & Insurance; and Manufacturing.
Finance & Insurance is up 1,300 so far in 2024 after losing 1,000 jobs in 2023.
Manufacturing is up 1,500 jobs since December 2023. In 2023, retirements outpaced hiring and the sector lost 700 jobs.
Administrative & Support Services declined by 800 jobs in April, likely due to workers taking full-time jobs rather than temporary work. 

Connecticut’s labor force increased for the fourth consecutive month; the Labor Force Participation rate remains 64.6%, nearly two points higher than the national average of 62.7%. The state currently has ~ 25,000 unemployment filers. The next Labor Situation will be released on June 24, 2024.

#DOLDaily videos with economist Patrick Flaherty:

#DOLDaily: Major Takeaways from the April Report
#DOLDaily: April Industry Sector Performance

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Media Contact:
CTDOL Communications Unit
200 Folly Brook Boulevard, Wethersfield, CT 06109-1114
Email: CTDOL.Communications@ct.gov | https://www.ct.gov/dol