© 2024
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

Unemployment Down But Overall Vermont Job Outlook Wobbly

Vermont’s unemployment rate is down two-tenths of a percent this month. One group says state's job market isn't improving as fast as it might appear.

The Vermont Department of Labor reports that the state unemployment rate dropped to 4.6 percent in April, well below the national unemployment rate of 8.1 percent.  Economic and Labor Market Information Chief Mathew Barewicz says it continues a trend.

Shortly after the state figures were released, the Public Assets Institute released their monthly jobs brief, finding sputtering progress for jobless Vermonters, according to President Paul Cillo.

Paul Cillo says the jobs levels will not improve until there is an increase in demand for goods and services that will stimulate private businesses to hire and create jobs.

The seasonally adjusted unemployment rate of 4-point-6 percent is the 4th lowest in the nation and Mathew Barewicz says that demonstrates considerable strength in the state’s labor market.

The Vermont Department of Labor report found that construction, professional and business services showed strong growth in April,  while leisure and hospitality jobs were hurt by the warm winter. Unemployment was lowest in Hartford and highest in Newport.