(Wethersfield, CT) – Connecticut Department of Labor (CTDOL) Commissioner Danté Bartolomeo today released the May jobs report showing that employers added an estimated 5,000 jobs last month and the unemployment rate dropped slightly to 3.7%. April numbers were revised up with 1,200 jobs added to payrolls. To date, Connecticut has gained 18,400 jobs in 2023.
Commissioner Bartolomeo said, “Connecticut’s economy continues its solid performance despite uncertainties that include interest rates and inflation. Economic indicators remained strong; unemployment is at a three and a half year low; businesses are adding jobs to payrolls; and those job gains are broad, covering eight economic supersectors. May data shows that summer tourism and recreation are underway—a good sign for restaurants and leisure businesses. The labor market remains competitive for employers—they are working hard to hire and retain their talent.”
CTDOL Office of Research Director Patrick Flaherty said, “The transportation and warehousing sectors have seen strong numbers for years and the pandemic accelerated the shift to online shopping and delivery. These industries now represent 70,400 jobs in Connecticut and continue to grow. As we reported last month, the construction industry hired early due to the warm weather this winter. That early hiring is still impacting sector numbers this month as well.”
TOPLINE POINTS FROM THE REPORT:
- The private sector is 99.9% recovered from the pandemic shutdown. Overall, Connecticut has recovered 97.9% of the jobs lost in March – April 2020.
- To date, Connecticut has gained an average of 3,700 jobs per month in 2023. In 2022, the state averaged gains of 2,200 jobs per month. From January 2010 – February 2020, gains averaged 800 jobs per month.
- Eight industry supersectors added jobs including Leisure & Hospitality; Trade, Transportation & Utilities; and Other Services. Two industry supersectors declined.
- Employment in the restaurant industry has fully recovered from the pandemic. In May 2019, the industry had 107,300 jobs (not seasonally adjusted), in May 2023, it had 109,200 jobs (not seasonally adjusted).
Connecticut continues to see very low benefits filing with approximately 20,000 weekly unemployment claims. Employers currently have more than 100,000 jobs available.
VIDEO: Director Flaherty comments on the May 2023 report:
· #DOLDaily May 2023: Major Takeaways
· #DOLDaily May 2023: Strong Job Growth in May
Are you an employer who needs recruitment assistance? CTDOL can help through CTHires, Registered Apprenticeship, and the American Job Centers. Contact the nearest American Job Center to get started.
Federal funding supports many CTDOL programs in whole or in part. For a list of programs and their funding streams, please visit the federal funding page.
For Immediate Release: June 15, 2023
