PA Unemployment Rate Drops to 4%

Pennsylvania’s unemployment rate decreased to 4% in the month of October – down a tenth of a percent from the month prior. The figure marks the lowest unemployment rate the state has seen dating back to 1976, according to historical records from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Pennsylvania Chamber of Business and Industry Vice President of Government Affairs Alex Halper released the following statement:

“While it is encouraging that our state’s unemployment rate continues to drop, employers across the Commonwealth are still struggling to find workers. Many Pennsylvanians have left the labor market entirely and may not be reflected in unemployment figures. To help the business community grow and fill jobs, Pennsylvania needs effective workforce development programs to help people enter and reenter the workforce. We were pleased to see the General Assembly send two workforce development bills to Gov. Wolf’s desk at the end of this legislative session addressing the labor shortage, including H.B. 987, which eliminated automatic driver’s license suspensions for certain non-driving related offenses; and H.B. 1829, which removed several unnecessary impediments for young people seeking employment. With divided government in Harrisburg, strengthening Pennsylvania’s workforce is a bipartisan issue that should receive top priority in the new legislative session.”