State Unemployment Rate Holds at 7.6 percent

The unemployment rate in Massachusetts held steady in July at 7.6 percent, according to the Executive Office of the Labor and Workforce Development report. The economy added 12,700 jobs in July.

Massachusetts gained 11,600 jobs in the private sector while government agencies added 1,100 jobs. Six of the ten private sectors added jobs in July with the largest over the month gains in Education and Health Services; Other Services; Trade, Transportation and Utilities; Manufacturing; Professional and Business Services; and Financial Activities, according to the Executive Office press release. 

“The state is reporting growth in nine of the ten major sectors so far this year," said Bob Nealon, Metro Market Manager for staffing firm Robert Half International. "That is definitely a trend we’re seeing locally, as hiring has continued to pick up across the board.”

The construction sector lost 1,500 jobs in July, while the Information sector lost 200 jobs and leisure and hospitality sectors lost 100 jobs.

According to the release, year-to-date, December 2010 to July 2011, 53,000 jobs have been added in the Bay State with 58,200 jobs in the private sector. Over-the-year, July 2010 to July 2011, jobs are up 56,800, for a growth rate of 1.8 percent.

“Local companies are definitely gaining confidence as they see job growth each month.  They cut staff so deeply during the downturn, so this sustained growth is something that is fueling optimism in the recovery and making them feel good about adding to their teams,” noted Nealon.

The National unemployment rate is currently 9.1 percent.