Department of Labor Releases June Unemployment Report
BALTIMORE (July 20, 2018) – he U.S. Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) today released state jobs and unemployment data. Total jobs decreased by 5,500 in June - the majority of these in the public sector - though the state unemployment rate remained the same at 4.3 percent. Further, May’s preliminary jobs estimate as reported by BLS was revised upward by 3,400 jobs, to a gain of 8,000 jobs in May, versus the previously reported gain of 4,600.
“We are confident in Maryland’s economy, and in the strength of our workforce,” said Labor Secretary Kelly M. Schulz. “As a provider of innovative, nationally recognized workforce development and training programs, the Department of Labor stands ready to assist workers looking to start or grow in their job, and employers who want to develop and retain their talent.”
Last month, 2,500 jobs were gained in the Professional and Business Services sector, all within the Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services subsector. Mining, Logging, and Construction also increased, while Education and Health Services remained the same.
Compared with this time last year, Maryland jobs are up by 5,400, while private sector employment is up by 12,300 jobs, for an over-the-year change of 0.6 percent. Since January 2015, total non-farm employment has increased by 89,500 jobs.
Private sectors experiencing decline in June include Leisure and Hospitality; Trade, Transportation, and Utilities; Financial Activities; Other Services; and Manufacturing. Of these, Leisure and Hospitality experienced the largest decline of 1,900 jobs, all within the Arts, Entertainment, and Recreation subsector (2,000 jobs). A gain of 100 jobs in the Accommodation and Food Services subsector offset this loss.
“We traditionally see a decrease in public sector jobs in the month of June as colleges and universities let out for the summer,” said Secretary Schulz. “However, we are excited to see growth in many other industries throughout the state, such as mining and construction, as well as professional and technical services.”
Learn more about the Department of Labor’s workforce development programs.
About the Maryland Department of Labor
The Maryland Department of Labor is committed to safeguarding and protecting Marylanders. We're proud to support the economic stability of the state by providing businesses, the workforce, and the consuming public with high-quality, customer-focused regulatory, employment, and training services. For updates and information, follow the Maryland Department of Labor on Twitter (@MD_Labor), Facebook and visit our website.
Note: Data is spidered in on the DLLR website directly from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) using Datazoa and a slight lag may exist as the database is refreshed.
For immediate access to this month's jobs data please go to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) website.
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