New job seekers nudge unemployment rate up to 4.6%
Citing federal data, the Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development announced that unemployment in Massachusetts rose two-tenths of a percentage point from March to April. The national unemployment rate remained level at 4.2% in that span.
It was the fourth straight month that both the labor force and the unemployment rate grew. Compared to April 2024, the labor force included about 52,000 more people and the unemployment rate was 0.7 percentage points higher.
Employers also added about 7,700 jobs in April, according to results of a different monthly labor survey, building on the 2,800 positions added in March.
Department of Economic Research Chief Economist Mark Rembert said Friday that the job market remained stable 'despite economic headwinds.'
'The unemployment rate edged up, but most significantly, we haven't seen an uptick in layoffs or new unemployment claims, meaning the uptick is being driven by more people entering the workforce and looking for work,' Rembert said in a statement.
While employment is relatively stable, many businesses have voiced low confidence in the local economic outlook amid uncertainty about federal spending and tariffs. Economists have also forecast sluggish growth in Massachusetts.
WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on WWLP.com.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
14-06-2025
- Yahoo
Whip City Jerky in Westfield reopens under new ownership
WESTFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) – A ribbon-cutting ceremony is being held for the reopening of Whip City Jerky in Westfield. In a news release sent to 22News from the Greater Westfield Chamber of Commerce, the new owner of Whip City Jerky is Jeff Bruch. He is expanding his product line with marinated meats, pork tenderloins, bacon, and pork chops. In addition, the retail store is selling local jams and honey, local coffee, and organic 'good-for-you' beverages. New England's first dual-launch straddle coaster to open at Six Flags New England 'We're looking forward to helping raise the downtown area by providing another destination,' says Bruch, who has been working in the meat industry for 38 years. 'Opening this facility is a dream of mine and a dream come true.' Whip City Jerky is located at 271 Elm Street in Westfield, and a ribbon-cutting ceremony will be held on June 14th at 9:30 a.m. They will be open Tuesdays through Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. with extended hours on Thursday until 7 p.m. WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
13-06-2025
- Yahoo
Pre-order Father's Day treats at local pastry shop
SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) – Father's Day is this weekend, and the National Retail Federation expects it to be a record-breaking year in terms of spending. One arrested after crashing into police cruisers on I-291 in Springfield In Springfield, La Fiorentina Pastry Shop is taking pre-orders through Saturday morning. Those interested in calling ahead to order pastries are urged to do so by 10 a.m. Saturday morning. 'Chocolate usually is a big thing for the guys, the boozy stuff, the tiramisu, the bubba rum, but can't go wrong with cannolis and cheesecake,' said Mauro Daniele, general manager, La Fiorentina Pastry Shop. The pastry shop will also be open on Father's Day from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. for coffee, breakfast, or dessert. WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
12-06-2025
- Yahoo
Spirit Airlines adds Nashville, Detroit flights from Bradley International Airport
WINDSOR LOCKS, Conn. (WWLP) – The Connecticut Airport Authority (CAA) announced that Spirit Airlines is adding a new route from Bradley International Airport (BDL). Springfield man charged with DUI, wrong-way driving in Enfield The new route will be from Bradley International Airport (BDL) to Detroit Metro Airport (DTW) in Michigan. The first flight departed BDL Thursday morning and will operate daily. Spirit will also begin flying nonstop from BDL to Nashville International Airport (BNA) in Tennessee beginning in August. Nashville and Detroit will allow passengers to connect to other destinations within Spirit's route network. Spirit flies nonstop from BDL to Fort Lauderdale, FL (FLL) and Myrtle Beach, SC (MYR). 'We greatly appreciate our partnership with Spirit Airlines and their continued investment in the Hartford region,' said Michael W. Shea, Executive Director of the Connecticut Airport Authority. 'The daily service to Detroit will give passengers more travel options at affordable fares.' 'We're excited to add the Motor City to our Bradley (BDL) route map and offer a great value for our Guests looking to visit Detroit,' said John Kirby, Vice President of Network Planning at Spirit Airlines. 'The new route also makes it easier for travelers to reach Connecticut's capital city and Spirit's elevated Guest experience on their journey.' WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
