CBIA Response to August 2025 Employment Report

The state’s largest business organization issued the following response to today’s release of the August 2025 employment report.  

“While it’s encouraging to see a third consecutive month of even modest job growth, that’s tempered by the growing underlying weakness in the labor market,” said CBIA president and CEO Chris DiPentima. 

“Connecticut added just 3,920 jobs through the first eight months of the year—at 0.2%, that’s half the pace of national job growth, which is also weakening. 

“The labor force numbers are really concerning, with the population of those working or looking for work down 4,100 people last month alone and 12-month growth essentially flat. 

“Connecticut ranked 40^th in the country for net domestic migration last year, losing almost 6,000 residents to other states. 

“International migration is offsetting those losses—more than 36,000 people immigrated here last year, with 20% of Connecticut’s workforce born outside the U.S. 

“However, immigration alone is not the solution for attracting the residents and workers needed for long-term, sustainable job and economic growth.  

“CBIA’s just released 2025 Survey of Connecticut Businesses, highlights that hiring and retention is difficult for 76% of employers, with skills gaps and the high cost of living key issues. 

“Businesses are doing what they can—private sector weekly wages are up 3.2% over the last 12 months, and workforce development is the top investment priority for most employers. 

“Employers noted that lowering healthcare and energy costs must be lawmakers’ top priorities, with housing and childcare also among Connecticut’s main affordability challenges.” 

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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).