The unemployment rate in Massachusetts dropped to 7.3 percent in September, according to the Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development. This marks the state’s lowest unemployment rate since January 2009.
Nationally, the unemployment rate is at 9.1 percent and job growth is at 1.1 percent.
This decrease in unemployment follows a trend in the Bay State. So far this year, despite a stagnant beginning, almost 48,000 have been added. And compared with September 2010, there has been a 1.5 percent job growth rate. Private sector growth rate is at 2 percent.
Barnstable’s unemployment fell from 6.9 percent August 2010 to 6.3 percent 2011. According to the latest data, 9,258 people are without jobs in Barnstable and the local economy shed 3,300 jobs in a year-over-year comparison from last August.
The Gains
Big gains were seen in several Massachusetts industries:
- Information industry saw an increase of 5,200 jobs. This is due largely because the Verizon strike ended, so striking workers are now being counted again.
- Business services saw an increase of 1,700 jobs in management.
- Scientific and technical jobs jumped by 1,200.
- Education services gained 3,500 jobs.
- Manufacturing gained 200 jobs, and manufacturing jobs were up 5,400 compared to September 2010.
- State government gained 1,300 jobs.
The Losses
Not all industries had good news.
- Trade, transportation and utilities saw a decrease of 3,500 jobs.
- Leisure and hospitality saw a decrease of 2,300 jobs, mostly in accomodation and food services.
- Construction lost 1,700 jobs.
- Local government lost 700 jobs.