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Jobs added despite government shutdown and default threat
BALTIMORE, MD (November 22, 2013) – The U.S. Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) released state jobs and unemployment data earlier
today. Due, in part, to the ongoing uncertainty created by the sequester, the 16-day federal government shutdown and the threat of an unprecedented
national economic default, Maryland lost jobs in September and October.
In September, total employment fell over-the-month by 8,500 jobs, which included a private sector decline of 4,300 jobs. According to
the preliminary survey data, Maryland lost 400 total jobs in October and the private sector increased by 600 jobs. The Public sector declined
by 1,000 jobs from September to October.
Compared with the same time last year, Maryland jobs are up by 21,900. Our private sector employers have added 23,000 jobs since October
2012. Private sector jobs are at their highest level for the month of October since 2007.
Maryland's October preliminary unemployment rate was estimated to be 6.7 percent -- unchanged from September, and more than 8 percent
below the national unemployment rate of 7.3 percent.
“Maryland is home to thousands of federal civil servants and federal contractors who had to put their businesses on hold because of the
government shutdown in Washington,” said Maryland Labor Secretary Leonard Howie. “Because of the choices we’ve made, we’re seeing better
results in Maryland. Although we still have work to do, we have made progress, empowering Maryland’s employers to be more resilient and
begin hiring again. The Maryland Department of Labor remains focused on accelerating hiring and job growth as we continue to recover together.”
In the private sector, the Leisure and Hospitality sector added 1,800 jobs in October—the most of any sector –and the Accommodations and
Food Services subsector gained 2,100 jobs. The Natural Resources, Mining and Construction sector gained 1,500 jobs. The Education, Health
Care & Social Assistance sector added 900 jobs and the Educational Services subsector increased by 2,300 jobs. The Financial Activities
sector expanded by 200 jobs.
Secretary Howie will brief the media on the September and October 2013 jobs report during a conference call at noon today.
Call-in number: 1-(877) 274-9107.
The Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation protects and empowers Marylanders by safeguarding workers,
protecting consumers, providing a safety net and cultivating a thriving workforce that can meet the demands of
Maryland's dynamic economy. For updates and information, follow DLLR on
Twitter
(@MD_DLLR), Facebook and visit our
website . Get more information on EARN Maryland.
Employment Situation
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