CBIA Response to April 2024 Employment Report

The state’s largest business organization issued the following response to today’s release of the April 2024 employment report. 

“This report highlights the volatility of Connecticut’s labor market,” says CBIA president and CEO Chris DiPentima.

“April saw a strong month, with 1,100 new jobs, almost all in the public sector.

“However, it’s disappointing to see March’s originally reported gains revised down by 4,400—90%—to a modest 500 gain. 

“The labor force—those working and those actively looking for work—continues to show steady, but modest growth and is now 20,000 people below pre-pandemic levels. 

“But there are still more job openings than people looking for work—we need to do more to grow the labor force and connect people with opportunities through workforce development initiatives.

“While we are seeing growth, it’s clear that we aren’t keeping up with the rest of the region and the country.

“Connecticut’s year-over-year job growth is 1.3%, a half-point below the national average and trails much of the region—Rhode Island, for instance, is at 2.6%.

“Coming out of a legislative session that showed a lack of focus on making Connecticut a more affordable place to live and work, it’s clear that we cannot take our foot off the gas.

“Addressing the labor shortage and our economic needs overall must be front-and-center heading into this fall’s critical General Assembly elections. 

“Connecticut is the land of basketball champions, we must also be the land of small business champions. 

“We must work together on solutions to improve issues like healthcare, housing, and childcare and provide more opportunities for all residents.”

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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).