Utah unemployment rate down to 3.4%


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SALT LAKE CITY — More Utahns are gainfully employed now compared to this time last year, a new report states.

The state Department of Workforce Services reported Friday that the seasonally adjusted unemployment rate for March remained unchanged from the prior two months at 3.4 percent. About 49,200 Utahns were unemployed and actively seeking work during the month.

Nationwide, the jobless rate also showed no change from the prior month, holding steady at 5.5 percent.

The state’s nonfarm payroll employment for March 2015 grew by an estimated 4.0 percent over the same period in 2014, adding 53,000 jobs to the economy year-over-year. The current employment level in Utah registered at 1,362,600.

“Our state continues to add jobs at rates well above our long-run average,” reported Department of Workforce Services chief economist Carrie Mayne. “While our labor force expands, the unemployment rate remains low, which signals economic strength as we move into the warmer season.”

The report showed that eight of the 10 private sector industry groups measured in the survey posted net job increases in March compared to last year.


“Our state continues to add jobs at rates well above our long-run average. While our labor force expands, the unemployment rate remains low, which signals economic strength as we move into the warmer season.” -DWS chief economist Carrie Mayne

The largest private sector employment increases were in trade, transportation, and utilities — which added 13,800 jobs the same period in 2014. Additionally, leisure and hospitality added 8,700 jobs, while professional and business services added 8,100 jobs.

The report showed that the fastest employment growth occurred in leisure and hospitality, which increased 6.8 percent, while construction grew by 6.4 percent, with trade, transportation and utilities increasing 5.6 percent for the period.

Conversely, other services showed no job growth, while natural resources and mining contracted by 300 positions.

“Today’s jobs report shows our approach to job creation is producing results,” Gov. Gary Herbert said. “Our commitment to supporting the success of the private market, keeping taxes low and consistent, setting sensible regulations, saving for a rainy day, and running a limited and efficient government have Utah leading as one of the strongest and most diverse economies in the nation.”

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