CBIA Response to December 2025 Employment Report  

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

“Unfortunately, December’s losses reinforce troubling trends that are holding back Connecticut’s job growth,” said CBIA president and CEO Chris DiPentima.  

“Connecticut lost 2,200 jobs in 2025—a 0.1% decline—compared to a 0.4% job increase nationally. 

“The continued decline in our labor force—which lost almost 20,000 people, or 1%, in 2025—is the greatest concern given the large number of job openings.  

“Manufacturing and financial activities, both key economic sectors, lost jobs in 2025.  

“One of the most troubling signals is the lack of growth in healthcare employment, growing just 0.1% in 2025 compared with 2.5% nationally—a clear sign that demand is outpacing available workers.  

“The workforce shortage is also likely contributing to rising healthcare costs faced by employers, workers, and families across the state. 

Sustainable Growth

“Together, these developments raise serious questions about the sustainability of Connecticut’s future economic growth. 

“Connecticut employers and their employees are showing remarkable resilience—navigating uncertainty, innovating, and driving productivity.  

“But innovation alone cannot sustain long-term growth if underlying workforce challenges remain unaddressed. 

“The high costs of healthcare, energy, childcare, and housing continue to undermine our ability to attract and retain workers—particularly younger people as our aging workforce retires. 

“With the 2026 legislative session about to begin, policymakers must prioritize making Connecticut a more affordable place to live and do business while strengthening workforce training and pipeline programs that connect residents with high-quality career opportunities. 

“Employers are doing their part. If policymakers do the same, Connecticut can put all the pieces together for stronger, more sustainable economic growth.” 

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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).