Groton's Unemployment Falls Slightly To 9.3 Percent

After gaining 2,900 jobs in July, Connecticut lost 8,600 jobs in August. Of the ten major industry sectors, only two showed gains while eight other sectors reported losses. The state’s unemployment rate dropped slightly to 9.0 percent, from 9.1 percent in July, and just slightly below the national rate in August of 9.1 percent

• In Groton, the unemployment rate fell from 9.4 percent in July to 9.3 percent in August, down from a high of 9.8 percent reported in January, February and May.  Groton's labor force totaled 19,812 people in August, with 17,966 employed and 1,846 unemployed.

• In New London, the unemployment rate declined slightly, from 11.7 percent in July to 11.3 percent in August, also down from this year's high of 12.3 percent in June. In August, New London's labor force was 14,339, with 12,718 people employed and 1,621 unemployed.

For the state of Connecticut as a whole, the labor force was 1.89 million, with 1.72 million employed, and 168,800 unemployed in August.

Of the 8,600 jobs Connecticut is reporting to have lost in August, 7,200 were in local government. The Bureau of Labor Statistics estimated an unprecedented July to August loss of jobs in Connecticut’s local government sector. This unexpected drop was preceded by an equally unprecedented large gain of local government jobs in June of this year.

“Had local government employment not dropped as drastically as it did in August, and instead followed a historically typical pattern of movement, Connecticut would have lost closer to 1,400 overall jobs,” said Labor Statistics Supervisor Salvatore DiPillo. “Some industry sectors that showed job gains in the first quarter of the year have subsequently lost jobs. Unfortunately, as is the case nationally, job creation in Connecticut appears to have lost momentum.”

July’s job numbers showed more losses than gains among the industry sectors statewide. Two sectors showing gains were the education and health services sector, up 2,200 jobs, and leisure and hospitality with 900 additional jobs.

Government reported a 7,400 loss over the month, followed by the construction sector with 900 fewer jobs, and manufacturing, down by 800. The trade, transportation and utilities, and financial activities sectors each lost 700 jobs.

There were also losses in other services, professional and business services and information. Despite August’s losses, most of the major industry sectors are still showing job gains over the year.

Source: Connecticut Department of Labor