VT Unemployment Rate Holds at 1.8 Percent in August

Eagle Times Staff
On Sept. 19, the Vermont Department of Labor (DOL) released data on the Vermont economy for the period covering August 2023.

According to household data, the seasonally-adjusted statewide unemployment rate for August was 1.8 percent. This reflects no change from the prior month’s revised estimate. The civilian labor force participation rate was 64.0 percent in August, an increase of one-tenth of one percentage point from the prior month’s revised estimate.

The economic data released is beginning to show some consistency following the July floods. The jobs data captures information on filled positions as reported by Vermont employers. With nearly 21,000 open jobs in the state, the Department is ready to support employment matches through active engagement with both jobseekers and employers.

“Two successful events were held last week with four more events already scheduled, including one … in Bennington,” said Vermont DOL Commissioner Michael Harrington. “Through these in-person hiring events, we aim to empower jobseekers to explore diverse career paths, engage with local employers, and find fulfilling employment opportunities right here in Vermont. All events are free for jobseekers, and all are encouraged to attend.”

The Vermont seasonally-adjusted unemployment rate held at 1.8 percent in August. The comparable United States rate in August was 3.8 percent, an increase of three-tenths of one percentage point from the revised July estimate. The seasonally-adjusted Vermont data for August show the Vermont civilian labor force increased by 771 from the prior month’s revised estimate. The number of employed persons increased by 670 and the number of unemployed persons increased by 101. No changes were statistically significant in the seasonally-adjusted series.

The August unemployment rates for Vermont’s 17 labor market areas ranged from 1.7 percent in White River Junction to 3.1 percent in Derby (note: local labor market area unemployment rates are not seasonally-adjusted). For comparison, the August unadjusted unemployment rate for Vermont was 2.2 percent, an increase of four-tenths of one percentage point from the revised unadjusted July level and a decrease of six-tenths of one percentage point from a year ago.

For more information about future job fairs and other resources for individuals interested in career services, contact the Vermont Department of Labor at (802) 828-4394 or visit labor.vermont.gov.