The state’s unemployment rate fell in November to 7.6 percent, the lowest it’s been since Jan. 2009, labor officials announced.
The state added 4,000 jobs during the month. The private sector netted 4,200 jobs while the public sector lost 200.
The unemployment rate was down from 7.9 percent in October. Over the past year, the rate has fallen by seven tenths of a point as the state has gained 16,500 jobs.
Andy Condon, director of the state Department of Labor’s research office, said in a statement that the falling rate was good news, but noted that a shrinking labor force is part of the reason for the decline.
The retail sector led November gains with 2,600 jobs added. Education added 1,900 and health services added 1,400.
Leisure and hospitality was the biggest loser, shedding 1,700 jobs during the month.
Gov. Dannel Malloy released a statement saying the state is making good progress.
“But if you haven’t been able to get one of these jobs, then you’re not feeling the impact of these changes,” Malloy said. “I want to make it clear that we can’t and won’t stop making progress until everyone that wants a job in our state has one.”
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