Utah’s jobless rate holds at 2.8%


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SALT LAKE CITY — The Beehive State continues its strong job growth trend as unemployment remains at a near record low.

The state Department of Workforce Services reported Friday the seasonally adjusted unemployment rate in July registered at 2.8% — the second month in a row. For the month, approximately 45,400 Utahns were considered unemployed and actively looking for work. In comparison, the national jobless rate held even at 3.7%.

Utah’s nonfarm payroll employment for July rose by an estimated 3.6%, with the state economy adding 54,400 jobs over the last 12 months. Currently, data shows that 1,558,100 people are registered as gainfully employed.

“Utah is really in a nice position right now,” said senior DWS economist Mark Knold. “We’ve had multiple years of above-average job growth. The unemployment rate is trending lower. It’s a really strong position for Utah overall.”

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Statewide private sector employment grew by 4% year over year with nearly 51,000 new positions created, the report stated. Each of the 10 private sector industry groups measured in the establishment survey posted net job increases in the month of July. The greatest increases occurred in education and health services — which added 12,300 new jobs. Professional and business services gained 11,800 jobs while manufacturing added 6,600 jobs.

Meanwhile, the fastest job growth by percentage was in the information sector, which climbed 6.4%. Education and health services rose 6.3% and construction up 6%.

Knold said the job growth momentum the state is currently experiencing should carry through the summer and into the latter part of the year.

“Utah’s stellar economic performance continues. Jobs are plentiful and expanding job growth implies employers are resourceful in attaining a sufficient labor supply even in this low unemployment environment,” Knold said. “It’s a very strong foundation to work from.”

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