Unemployment rate holds steady: Jobs still growing

Utah’s unemployment rate continued to hold steady in March as the state’s economy continues to add jobs. The Utah Department of Workforce Services reported that the jobless rate held at 3.1 percent and that the economy has added 45,700 jobs in the past 12 months. The 3.2 percent rise in Utahns with jobs brought the total number of employed to 1,455,600.

The department estimated that approximately 47,700 people in the state were unemployed during March and actively seeking work. The national unemployment rate decreased two-tenths of a percentage point from February to March to 4.5 percent.

“Job growth continues at a firm pace, providing additional employment opportunities across multiple industries,” said Carrie Mayne, chief economist at the Department of Workforce Services. “Utahns looking to improve their employment situation should take advantage of Utah’s expansionary economy.”

Eight of the 10 private sector industry groups measured in the establishment survey posted net job increases in March as compared to last year, while the natural resources and mining industry decreased by 900 positions and the information industry shed 600 positions.

The largest private sector employment increases were in trade, transportation and utilities (8,700 jobs); professional and business services (8,200 jobs); and education and health services (6,800 jobs).