Unemployment Largely Unchanged in June in Massachusetts

BOSTON — The Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development (EOLWD) released Massachusetts unemployment and job estimates for June, with preliminary data indicating 1,100 more Massachusetts residents gained employment, which includes individuals in private and nonprofit jobs plus self-employed individuals and entrepreneurs, while payroll jobs decreased by 1,900.

Additionally, while more individuals entered the Massachusetts labor force in June, the labor force participation rate and unemployment rate remained unchanged. Preliminary data is based on survey data provided by the U.S. Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).

Payroll jobs did experience growth in some BLS categories, including education and health services; construction; and trade, transportation, and utilities. In addition to payroll data, BLS also reported preliminary data indicating 1,100 more Massachusetts residents were employed in June for a total 3,767,900 employed residents; this data includes individuals who are self-employed (such as contractors, physicians, and drivers) and are not captured in payroll job data.

“As more Massachusetts residents enter the labor force, it is vital that we continue to make investments in job training, reduce barriers to employment, and connect untapped talent to local career opportunities,” Secretary of Labor and Workforce Development Lauren Jones said. “We are encouraged that data shows job postings remain stable — and growing for some industries — and our administration is dedicated to helping employers build their workforce right here in Massachusetts.”