Conn. unemployment declines in Sept. as jobs rise

WETHERSFIELD, Conn. (AP) — Connecticut labor officials say unemployment in the state edged down slightly in September as the number of jobs rose.

The unemployment rate dropped to 8.9 percent in September from 9 percent in August.

Labor officials said Thursday that preliminary estimates from the federal Bureau of Labor Statistics show Connecticut's job market stabilized. Employers added 2,000 jobs in September.

Andy Condon, director of the Office of Research at the state Department of Labor, said changes in employment and unemployment estimates have returned to more typical levels after a summer in which numbers swung wildly.

The unemployment rate jumped sharply in July, though jobs were added. Unemployment rose slightly in August.

Condon said 2012 job numbers will likely be revised upward early next year, with 9,000 to 10,000 jobs added for the year.

Below is a statement from Gov. Dannel Malloy's office on the jobs report:

"Every month, whether it's at the national or state level, we look to the unemployment numbers as an indicator of our overall recovery. For the last two months, that data has been questionable at best. And the data is being questioned in several states, by members of both parties.

"With the release of the numbers today, the only thing that's any clearer is how conflicting the data continues to be. Yes, the divide between the employer's survey and the household survey has narrowed. But they still tell two stories that can't both be true.

"We've learned over the past few months that the economic crash of 2008 was worse than anyone realized, which is why it's taking us longer to climb out of the hole than any of us would like. But it's also important to remember that we're making some progress. We are making smarter investments in industries that are poised for growth, such as bioscience, digital media and finance. Long term, we will be in a better position to compete once the recovery really picks up steam. And employers are telling us that they added 2,000 jobs this month. These are all positive steps.

"My administration is committed to working everyday to create the good paying jobs with good benefits that our residents need and deserve."