Second lowest of any major state in America;
lowest since May 2008
Governor Terry McAuliffe today announced that Virginia’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate was down 0.1 percentage point in March to 3.8 percent, the third consecutive monthly decline. The seasonally adjusted unemployment rate of 3.8 percent is the lowest rate since the May 2008 rate of 3.8 percent. Virginia’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate continues to be below the national rate, which was down 0.2 percentage points in March to 4.5 percent.
“I’m pleased to see our tireless efforts to diversify and build a new Virginia economy come to fruition,” said Governor McAuliffe. “We are certainly starting 2017 off in a great position, and today’s announcement of the third consecutive drop in unemployment is a very positive indicator that our economy is strengthening. With the threat of sequestration cuts later this year, we must continue to do everything we can to make targeted investments in key sectors of the economy. I look forward to this positive trend in unemployment decline continuing through the remainder of this year and beyond.”
Virginia has the second lowest seasonally adjusted unemployment rate among major U.S. states. Virginia’s labor force expanded for the 12th consecutive month to 4,290,397, setting a record high for the Commonwealth, and household employment expanded for the 27th consecutive month to 4,129,123, also a record high. The labor force increased by 9,248 in March, as household employment rose by 13,530 and the number of unemployed fell by 4,282.
“We continue to see increases in employment and labor force expansion, as well as decreases in the unemployment rate throughout Virginia, strong signs that the Governor’s mandate to build a new Virginia economy is working,” said Secretary of Commerce and Trade Todd Haymore. “In partnership with the General Assembly and the private sector, we are making great strides and will continue these efforts to further enhance Virginia’s business climate, support existing businesses as they expand, recruit new companies to the Commonwealth, and spur job creation opportunities.”
Virginia’s nonfarm payroll employment is 45,800 jobs higher when compared to March of 2016. Virginia’s over-the-year employment growth was 1.2 percent and has been positive for 36 consecutive months. Nationally, total nonfarm employment grew 1.5 percent in March compared to a year ago.
In March, the private sector recorded an over-the-year gain of 46,200 jobs, while the public sector recorded an over-the-year loss of 400 jobs. Compared to a year ago, on a seasonally adjusted basis, eight of the eleven major industry divisions experienced employment gains.
For a greater statistical breakdown visit the Virginia Employment Commission’s website at www.vec.virginia.gov.
-Submitted by Charlotte Gomer
