Any threat of a recession is not reflected in the latest jobs report published by the state Department of Labor.
Connecticut added 5,000 jobs during the month of May, and the 900 job losses originally estimated for the month of April were revised upward to a gain of 1,200 jobs.
To date, Connecticut has gained 18,400 jobs in 2023, or 3,700 jobs per month, according to labor officials. That’s ahead of last year’s pace of 2,200 new jobs per month.
The unemplyment rate fell to 3.8% vs. the national 3.7% jobless rate.
“Connecticut’s economy continues its solid performance despite uncertainties that include interest rates and inflation,” said DOL Commissioner Danté Bartolomeo. “Economic indicators remained strong; unemployment is at a three and a half year low; businesses are adding jobs to payrolls; and those job gains are broad, covering eight economic supersectors. May data shows that summer tourism and recreation are underway — a good sign for restaurants and leisure businesses. The labor market remains competitive for employers — they are working hard to hire and retain their talent.”
During the month of May, Connecticut’s private sector added 4,800 jobs and has nearly recovered all the jobs lost from the pandemic shutdown. Overall, Connecticut has recovered 97.9% of the jobs lost in March-April 2020.
The government sector added 200 jobs in May and is 74.9% recovered from the COVID April 2020 employment trough.
Eight industry supersectors added jobs in May, including leisure and hospitality; trade, transportation and utilities; and other services.
Two industry supersectors — educational and health services and construction and mining — declined.
Employment in the restaurant industry has fully recovered from the pandemic, now employing 109,200 people.
The labor market remains competitive with more than 100,000 jobs available.
