Unusual’ September Jobs Report Requires Wait-and-See Approach

Connecticut’s September job gains represent a third straight month of increases, a positive trend after two lean months the state’s largest business organization said today.

The state Department of Labor noted September’s 3,600 job gain was largely driven by an “unusually high increase in the education component of the education and health services sector,” which added 4,300 positions.

“The education subsector was responsible for most of those gains,” CBIA economic adviser Pete Gioia said. “The Department of Labor itself is saying that we will have to wait and see if that level can be sustained.”

The education subsector includes private elementary and secondary schools, colleges and universities, professional and business schools, technical and trade schools, and educational support services.

September was a mixed month for two of the state’s major employment sectors, with manufacturing gaining 600 jobs while financial activities declined by 100.

“Overall, it’s a month that on the face of it is positive but still needs to be watched,” he said. “Hopefully we will continue to see gains in employment throughout the rest of the year.”

Gioia said Connecticut has now added 2,400 new jobs this year. At 0.1%, that remains the slowest growth of the New England states. 

Rhode Island leads the region with 1.2% growth, followed by Maine (1.1%), Massachusetts (1%), New Hampshire (0.9%), and Vermont (0.4%).

United States employment has grown by an average 1% in 2019.

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 Joe Budd (860.244.1951).