Massachusetts unemployment edged down two tenths of a percentage point in April, to 6.5%, and the state gained 5,100 jobs, according to the federal Bureau of Labor Statistics and the state Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development.
But the job gains were lower than last month’s revised increase of 14,800 jobs and mirror a slowdown seen in the national statistics.
Unemployment rates were lower in April in 12 states and the District of Columbia, and stable in 38 states
Some employers have complained about a lack of applicants, blaming a $300 enhanced unemployment payment. But economists point to a number of factors, including lingering fears of COVID spreading in the workforce and disruptions to child care that have forced some parents and caregivers to stay home.
The state announced this week that it will reinstate job-search requirements for unemployment insurance recipients. But Gov. Charlie Baker said the state will not do away with the $300 enhancement. Baker cited rising food costs and the high cost of housing.
According to numbers released Friday, the state’s labor force participation rate — the total number of residents 16 or older who worked or were unemployed and actively sought work in the last four weeks — was up one-tenth of a percentage point at 66.4%. Compared to April 2020, the labor force participation rate is up 6 percentage points from the start of the pandemic.
The April labor force increased by 1,900 from 3,744,400 in March, as 12,400 more residents were employed and 10,500 fewer residents were unemployed over the month.
Local April jobless numbers won’t be available until later this month. But in March, the unemployment rate for greater Springfield was 7.6%, down from 8.2% a month earlier and a high of 15.1% in April 2020.
Statewide job changes by sector of the economy:
- Professional, Scientific and Business Services gained 4,500 (+0.8%) jobs over the month. Over the year, Professional, Scientific and Business Services gained 43,400 (+7.8%) jobs.
- Leisure and Hospitality gained 2,300 (+0.8%) jobs over the month. Over the year, Leisure and Hospitality gained 119,600 (+75.7%) jobs.
- Government gained 1,200 (+0.2%) jobs over the month. Over the year, Government lost 5,100 (-1.2%) jobs.
- Information gained 700 (+0.8%) jobs over the month. Over the year, Information lost 200 (-0.2%) jobs.
- Manufacturing gained 500 (+0.2%) jobs over the month. Over the year, Manufacturing gained 15,300 (+7.1%) jobs.
- Other Services lost 500 jobs (-0.4%) jobs over the month. Over the year, Other Services gained 27,500 jobs OTY (+31.9%).
- Construction lost 600 (-0.4%) jobs over the month. Over the year, Construction has gained 48,500 jobs (+42.3%).
- Financial Activities lost 700 jobs (-0.3%) over the month. Over the year, Financial Activities gained 4,500 (+2.1%) jobs.
- Education and Health Services lost 1,100 (-0.1%) jobs over the month. Over the year, Education and Health Services gained 50,200 (+7.1%) jobs.
- Trade, Transportation and Utilities lost 1,100 (-0.2%) jobs over the month. Over the year, Trade, Transportation and Utilities gained 88,500 jobs (+19.0%) jobs.
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