CBIA Response to January 2025 Employment Report

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

“The January gains continue a positive trend that we’ve seen over the past several months,” said CBIA president and CEO Chris DiPentima. 

“It’s also important to highlight that the state’s labor force—the number of employed residents plus those actively looking for work—grew by 40,000 in 2024, and is now above pre-pandemic levels.

“That growth is the result of the growing commitment and partnership between the private and public sectors to focus on workforce development.

“But it’s critical that we don’t let this momentum slip away.

“Connecticut businesses and employees are bearing the brunt of increasing energy, healthcare, childcare, and housing costs. 

“We see that impact in the critical manufacturing industry, which has lost 1,700 jobs in the last 12 months.

“Even as they deal with the high costs of doing business, Connecticut employers are stepping up and doing their part to grow and support their workforces. 

“Average hourly earnings and average weekly earnings are both up 5.1% in the last 12 months—well above the 3% inflation rate.

“It’s vital that the state now does what it can to support businesses and their employees. 

“While there is a lot of uncertainty at the federal level, state lawmakers can positively impact residents and businesses by focusing on making Connecticut a more affordable place to live and work.”

---

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).