• Connecticut's Employment Situation - June 2012

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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 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 industry (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%). ”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.” Industries: Five of Connecticut’s ten major employing industries showed job increases in June 2012, while five industries experienced employment declines: Growth: Education and health services, leisure and hospitality, construction and mining, manufacturing, and professional and business services. Decline: Government; other services; financial activities; information; and trade, transportation, and utilities. Labor Market Areas: Three of the six major Connecticut LMAs had job gains in June 2012, while three declined: Bridgeport-Stamford-Norwalk had the best gain in June, adding 1,900 jobs (0.5%). New Haven also increased employment strongly with a 1,700 gain (0.6%). Norwich-New London (900, 0.7%) had its second monthly gain in a row. Danbury lost the most jobs this month (-600, -0.9%). This was followed by Waterbury (-400, -0.6%) and Hartford-West Hartford-East Hartford (-300, -0.1%). Average Hours of Work: The workweek for employees in the private sector, not seasonally adjusted, averaged 33.8 hours in June 2012, unchanged from the June 2011 figure. Average Earnings: Average hourly earnings at $27.75, not seasonally adjusted, are now down thirteen cents, or -0.5% lower than June 2011. The resulting average private sector weekly pay estimate was $937.95, down $4.39, or -0.5% over the year. Source: CTDOL