Massachusetts Unemployment Remains Unchanged at 4.7% in November

BOSTON — The Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development (EOLWD) released Massachusetts unemployment and job estimates for November, with preliminary data indicating that payroll jobs increased by 2,400 in November, following an increase of 4,600 in October.

Preliminary data shows 6,200 fewer individuals were employed, including individuals in private and nonprofit jobs, self-employed individuals and entrepreneurs, and individuals who may have retired or left the workforce for other reasons. Additionally, the unemployment rate (4.7%) remained unchanged, while the labor force participation rate (66.6%) decreased slightly. The national unemployment rate increased to 4.6%.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) categories with the strongest growth month over month for Massachusetts employment include professional and business services, financial activities, and manufacturing. December unemployment and job estimates will be released on Jan. 23.

“The labor market remains slow but stable. We are seeing low hiring rates, but we are also seeing low unemployment claims through November,” said Mark Rembert, chief economist for EOLWD’s Department of Economic Research. “This suggests that, while businesses are cautious about adding new roles or backfilling due to attrition, they are reluctant to let go of the workers they currently have.”