CBIA Response to May 2023 Employment Report

The state’s largest business organization issued the following response to today’s release of the May 2023 employment report.

“The May employment report is encouraging news for the state’s economy,” CBIA president and CEO Chris DiPentima said.

“May’s gain of 5,000 jobs was highlighted by an increase in hiring ahead of the summer months.

“With April’s previously reported loss of 900 jobs revised to an increase of 1,200, job growth is again moving in a positive direction.

“However, we cannot overlook the challenges with the state’s labor force, which declined by another 3,800 people last month.

“The labor force is now the lowest it’s been since September 2021—down 16,700 in 2023 and down 45,800 over the last 12 months. 

“With 104,000 openings, it’s clear that the jobs are there—we need more people to join the workforce and fill those jobs. 

“Connecticut is one of the few states that has yet to fully recover from the pandemic.

“It’s an ongoing concern that requires a commitment to enacting policies that will make Connecticut a more affordable and attractive place to live and work.

“We encourage our policymakers to continue to listen to their constituents about finding solutions to solve Connecticut’s workforce crisis.”

---

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).