Vermont Department of Employment and Training
Vermont Unemployment Press Release
June 17, 2005
For Immediate Release
Contact: Michael Griffin, 802-828-4153
E-Mail: [email protected]
Vermont Labor Force Statistics (Seasonally Adjusted)
May 2005 April 2005 May 2004
Total Labor Force 351,600 352,300 352,900
Employment 340,700 340,700 340,300
Unemployment 10,900 11,600 12,600
Rate (%) 3.1 3.3 3.6
Montpelier -- The Department of Employment and Training announced today that the
seasonally adjusted unemployment rate for May was 3.1 percent, down two tenths of a
percentage point from the revised April estimate. The change from last month was not
statistically significant.
Unemployment rates for Vermont's 17 labor market areas ranged from 1.7 percent in
Hartford to 3.9 percent in Rutland and Springfield. Labor market area rates are not
seasonally adjusted; for comparison, the unadjusted rate for Vermont was 3.0 percent.
"Vermont's unemployment rate dropped once more to its lowest level in four years," said
Patricia A. McDonald, Commissioner of the Department of Employment and Training.
"May's early season job gains in leisure and construction were particularly encouraging
signs for the labor market."
The number of seasonally adjusted jobs grew by 2,200 in May, a considerably larger gain
compared to the changes from recent months. The largest increase came from the leisure
and hospitality industries, which bounced back from a loss in April. Other small gains
resulted from growth in the construction industry, professional and business services and
government services. Expansion may also have occurred in sectors of the economy
which are not published. Additionally, the figure for total seasonally adjusted jobs may
have slightly overstated actual gains.
Before seasonal adjustment, total nonfarm employment grew by almost 4,000 jobs. The
gains occurred in the industries that usually expand as the summer months approach.
Construction showed the largest growth, adding jobs at a rate on par with prior years.
Entertainment, recreation and the food service industries began their usual summer hiring
with fairly typical gains. Professional and business services also experienced increases
related to seasonal hiring. Within the professional and business sector, administrative
support led the growth with employment increases primarily from traffic control and
landscaping companies. Other job gains occurred in retail, manufacturing, and health
care. Hotels, motels and other lodging experienced employment losses with the wrap-up
of the winter tourism season. State and private colleges also showed a drop in jobs
typical for the end of the academic year.
Total nonfarm employment increased 1.6% over the last twelve months. The annual
growth rate was slightly stronger than it was in April.