12.16.22 – BATON ROUGE, La. (BRPROUD)
Workforce data shows that Louisiana has set three records, including setting a record for the lowest unemployment rate for the sixth month straight.
The Louisiana Workforce Commission (LWC) said records were broken in three categories — unemployment rate, number of employed, and number of unemployed.
November’s not seasonally adjusted unemployment rate was a record low — 2.9%, according to data. The number of unemployed individuals decreased from 63,771 to 61,754 in November.
For the seasonally adjusted unemployment rate, data showed no changed and remained at $3.3%. The agency said this is the sixth month in a row that the state has set or tied a record low.
The number of those employed in the state is the highest in history at 2,042,391, according to LWC.
“We’ve done it again. November’s not seasonally adjusted unemployment rate came in at 2.9%, the lowest in the state’s history,” said LWC Secretary Ava Cates. “Major industries statewide are maintaining a steady increase in job creation and opportunities for Louisianans. Our continued efforts to put Louisianans to work have been successful. This is a testament to LWC’s efforts and partnerships with our industry partners and stakeholders.”
Louisiana Governor John Bel Edwards celebrated the record low in a statement Friday morning.
“Louisiana’s streak of record-breaking low unemployment has continued for a sixth straight month. The seasonally adjusted unemployment rate has remained at the record-low of 3.3%, while the non-seasonally adjusted rate has broken yet another record by dropping to 2.9%. We have now added 227,900 jobs since the worst of the COVID pandemic and more Louisianans are working than ever before. I believe Louisiana’s workers are the best of the best, and these historic numbers are a testament to their ability. We’ve come a long way in recovering from the pandemic and two devastating hurricane seasons, and the talent and toughness of our people has shown through. But our work continues. I encourage the people of Louisiana to reach out to the Louisiana Workforce Commission for assistance in taking advantage of the many job opportunities available in their communities.”GOVERNOR JOHN BEL EDWARDS
In Baton Rouge, 500 jobs were added from October and 4,000 jobs were gained since November 2021, LWC reported.