Please do not leave this page until complete. This can take a few moments.
The Massachusetts economy added 3,900 jobs in April, as the statewide unemployment rate ticked up to 3.9 percent.
The labor force participation rate in Massachusetts, or the number of residents 16 or older who worked or were unemployed and actively looking for work in the last four weeks, moved up slightly, reaching 66.5 percent in April. Since April 2016, that rate has increased by 1.5 percent, according to a release from the state.
“These job gains, coupled with large increases to the labor force and a low unemployment rate, are signs of a strong economy in the commonwealth,” said Ronald Walker, secretary of Labor and Workforce Development. “Our workforce agencies remain focused on closing the skills gap and ensuring that those newly entering the job market have the training necessary to access employment opportunities.”
The biggest employment gains came from the professional, scientific and business services sector, which added 6,100 jobs in April and 18,100 in a year-over-year analysis. Other sectors reported more modest gains, like education and health services (1,100 jobs), and trade, transportation and utilities (1,000 jobs). Both of those sectors grew over the course of the year; education and health services added 18,300 jobs and trade, transportation and utilities added 4,200.
Other sectors reported losses. The leisure and hospitality sector, which has added 500 jobs since last April, lost 2,400 over the month, and construction, which has added 3,800 year-over-year, lost 1,000 in April. The manufacturing sector added 200 jobs but has lost 2,000 since last year.
The U.S. unemployment rate was 4.4 percent in April, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Stay connected! Every business day, WBJ Daily Report will be delivered to your inbox by noon. It provides a daily update of the area’s most important business news.
Sign upWorcester Business Journal provides the top coverage of news, trends, data, politics and personalities of the Central Mass business community. Get the news and information you need from the award-winning writers at WBJ. Don’t miss out - subscribe today.
SubscribeWorcester Business Journal presents a special commemorative edition celebrating the 300th anniversary of the city of Worcester. This landmark publication covers the city and region’s rich history of growth and innovation.
See Digital EditionStay connected! Every business day, WBJ Daily Report will be delivered to your inbox by noon. It provides a daily update of the area’s most important business news.
Worcester Business Journal provides the top coverage of news, trends, data, politics and personalities of the Central Mass business community. Get the news and information you need from the award-winning writers at WBJ. Don’t miss out - subscribe today.
Worcester Business Journal presents a special commemorative edition celebrating the 300th anniversary of the city of Worcester. This landmark publication covers the city and region’s rich history of growth and innovation.
In order to use this feature, we need some information from you. You can also login or register for a free account.
By clicking submit you are agreeing to our cookie usage and Privacy Policy
Already have an account? Login
Already have an account? Login
Want to create an account? Register
In order to use this feature, we need some information from you. You can also login or register for a free account.
By clicking submit you are agreeing to our cookie usage and Privacy Policy
Already have an account? Login
Already have an account? Login
Want to create an account? Register
This website uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website. Our privacy policy
To ensure the best experience on our website, articles cannot be read without allowing cookies. Please allow cookies to continue reading. Our privacy policy
0 Comments