CBIA Response to September 2026 Employment Report

The state’s largest business organization issued the following response to today’s release of the September 2026 employment report.  

“September’s job gains, highlighted by gains in key industries like education and health services and manufacturing, show promising signs for Connecticut’s economy,” said CBIA president and CEO Chris DiPentima.

“Manufacturing, in particular, continues to see positive trends. The industry is up 5,600 jobs—3.7%—over  the past 12 months, well outpacing the national 0.3% growth rate.

“It’s also encouraging to see Connecticut’s labor force grow by 3,500 workers in September—the first monthly increase this year after seven months of declines.

“Those gains are welcome, but significant labor force and workforce issues persist.

“Despite September’s increases, our labor force is still down 50,800 people over the last year, and we still has one of the highest unemployment rates in the country.

“While we’re seeing gains in many sectors, weakness in professional and business services remains a concern—down 2,700 in September and 16,000 over the past year.

“At the same time, Connecticut employers desperately need workers. The state had nearly 100,000 job openings in September, including 8,800 in manufacturing.

“Total employment—which includes payroll jobs, along with farm workers, independent contractors, and the self-employed— remains down nearly 67,000 jobs from a year ago.

“Connecticut employers continue to invest in attracting and retaining workers. Private sector average weekly earnings rose last month to $1,346—seventh highest in the country.

“The underlying challenges holding back the state’s economy have not changed.

“Too many families face an affordability crisis that make it harder to live, work, and build careers in Connecticut.

“Connecticut needs a comprehensive vision for affordability and workforce growth.

“That starts with bold, decisive action to address the rising costs of housing, healthcare, energy, and childcare while improving the systems that build the next generation of the workforce.

“Strengthening workforce development pipelines and creating clearer pathways into high-demand careers are critical to help grow labor force, help employers fill open positions, and create meaningful opportunities for all residents.”

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CBIA is Connecticut’s largest business organization, with thousands of member companies, small and large, representing a diverse range of industries from every part of the state. For more information, please contact Scott Beaulieu (860.244.1929).