Slow Growth Persists: Massachusetts Adds Few Jobs, Holds Unemployment at 4.7%

BY MICHAEL NORTON

The Massachusetts unemployment rate held at 4.7% in November and preliminary data underscored a “slow” labor market here, with an over-the-year increase of just 1,800 jobs statewide.

The Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development on Wednesday reported that payroll jobs rose by 2,400 in November and increased by 4,600 in October, reflecting some stability in employment opportunities.

“The labor market remains slow but stable. We are seeing low hiring rates, but we are also seeing low unemployment claims through November,” Department of Economic Research Chief Economist Mark Rembert said in a statement. “This suggests that while businesses are cautious about adding new roles or backfilling due to attrition, they are reluctant to let go of the workers they currently have.”

The data also showed that 6,200 fewer people in Massachusetts were employed in November, “including individuals in private and non-profit jobs, self-employed individuals and entrepreneurs, and individuals who may have retired or left the workforce for other reasons,” the state office reported.

December unemployment and jobs numbers are due to be released Jan. 23. The 4.7% November jobless rate held at its September level, and state officials confirmed Wednesday that October data will not be released because of the federal government shutdown.

The U.S. unemployment rate for November was 4.6%.