Connecticut lost a net of 1,500 non-farm jobs in April, according to the latest figures from the State Department of Labor. Unemployment is now 4.9 percent, which is up one-tenth of a point.
“Though April nonfarm job estimates fell by 1,500 we are still well ahead of last year's pace,” said Andy Condon, Director of the Office of Research. “For the fourth month in a row we have seen small increases in the unemployment rate accompanied by larger increases in the labor force. This continues to indicate that workers are entering or rejoining the labor force and many are finding work.”
Overall employment has grown by about 5,500 jobs so far this year, even when April’s losses are taken into consideration.
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Private sector employment declined by 1,000 in April, but remains up over the year by 9,900 jobs. Government jobs declined by 500. The number of government losses could dramatically increase if Gov. Dannel Malloy’s administration and the state employee union don’t come to a concession deal. Up to 4,200 layoffs are possible.
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