∙ Connecticut Unemployment Rate Rises Three-Tenths

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Preliminary June employment estimates for Connecticut show mixed signs entering the summer months. The unemployment rate for the state rose by three-tenths of a percentage point in June to 8.1%, while the state added 1,400 jobs (0.1%). Essential private sector job growth in June, however, came in at a strong 5,000 (0.4%) pace led by a gain in the education and health services supersector (3,800, 1.2%). Private sector statewide job growth continued to be offset by large government declines (-3,600, -1.5%) last month, especially from local public administration (-2,900, -1.9%). This sector also includes the state’s casinos. ”June’s mixed results are a mirror of the strengths and weaknesses of the current job market,” said Andy Condon, Director of the agency’s Office of Research. “Overall job growth is slow, though the private sector continues to show a decent recovery. Unfortunately, the jump in our unemployment rate indicates we are not growing jobs fast enough to satisfy the need in our economy.” Source: CTDOL

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