(Wethersfield, CT) – Today, Connecticut Department of Labor (CTDOL) Commissioner Danté Bartolomeo released a mixed May labor situation. The number of payroll jobs declined by 6,500, largely due to a labor strike and a one-time retail restructuring event. April job numbers were revised to a 4,800 jobs gain from an estimated 6,900 jobs gain. The state’s unemployment rate rose by 0.1% to 3.8%.
Commissioner Bartolomeo said, “May had some ups and downs. One of the bright spots is that the labor force is fully recovered from pandemic losses and at an all-time high—good news for employers who have about 70,000 jobs available in Connecticut right now. The state’s economy remains steady and is moderating after the large gains post-pandemic. The agency continues to monitor national and international events for economic impacts.”
Connecticut’s labor force has now fully recovered from pandemic losses with 1,960,143 workers in the labor force, up 20,000 workers since last year. November 2019 was the last high at 1,942,988 workers in the labor force. The Bureau of Labor Statistics defines the labor force as anyone who is currently employed or looking for work. The unemployment rate rises slightly when more workers enter the market looking for a job; this does not indicate a rise in the number of people receiving unemployment benefits.
CTDOL Director of Research Patrick Flaherty said, “There are no major ongoing disruptions to the state’s job market; however, May’s job numbers were impacted by some one-off events that we don’t expect will continue. The survey happened during a labor strike—those payroll numbers should bounce back next month; there was a large retail loss due to a one-time restructuring; and we had a wet, cold spring which slowed some seasonal sectors. The economy has slowed but is steady and growing.”
TOPLINE POINTS FROM THE REPORT:
- The labor strike and retail restructuring were unusual events that impacted the jobs report. The strike was resolved; those manufacturing jobs are expected to show recovery in June. The retail restructuring was a one-time event; those are permanent losses.
- The federal government is down 400 jobs since January after losing another 100 jobs in May.
- Connecticut’s unemployment rate has been below the national rate for 29 consecutive months. It remains 0.4% below the national rate.
- Average weekly unemployment claims are down 27% from last month, up 4% from last year.
Videos with CTDOL Director of Research Patrick Flaherty:
#DOLDaily: Major Takeaways from the May Report
#DOLDaily: 2025 Recap
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For Immediate Release: June 23, 2025