Connecticut added 5,600 jobs in November, the state Department of Labor announced Thursday, locking in the state’s 11th consecutive month of job growth as Connecticut’s gradual bounceback from the COVID-19 pandemic continues.
The state’s unemployment rate dropped from 6.4% in October to 6% in November, according to labor officials, and October’s jobs increase was revised up from 5,900 to 7,100.
“The economic trends in Connecticut are quite positive — our unemployment rate has fallen rapidly and our economic recovery is strong and stable,” said Patrick Flaherty, director of the Labor Department’s Office of Research. “Across the nation and in Connecticut, workers are leaving their jobs in record numbers for new, better jobs. This churn is opening up opportunities across almost all industry sectors — good news for those who are entering the market or looking for better employment.”
Last month’s job gains were spread out over most of the state’s major industries. Manufacturing led the way, adding 1,700 positions, followed by construction (1,200), government (1,200), professional and business services (1,000), leisure and hospitality (700) and educational and health services (300). The financial activities industry was the only sector to lose ground, shedding 1,100 jobs.
Connecticut has now regained 75.3% of the 292,400 jobs lost during the lockdowns of March and April 2020.
As has been the case since early this year, Connecticut’s jobless figures continue to trail the national unemployment rate, which fell to 4.2% last month.
