MONTPELIER, Vt. (AP) - Vermont’s unemployment rate decreased in October to 3.2%, the state Department of Labor said Friday.
The rate was down from 4.3% in September. The national unemployment for October was 6.9%.
“The October data released today shows a slight decrease in the number of Vermonters who are currently filing for benefits; however, we know there are still a significant number of workers who are impacted by this pandemic,” said Vermont Labor Commissioner Michael Harrington in a written statement. “The good news is that, while COVID transmission numbers are on the rise, there does not seem to be any significant correlation between the spread of the virus and worksite operations at this time.”
The department anticipates a slight increase in new unemployment claims in November and December with the colder weather and end of the construction season.
Harrington also urged Vermonters to heed the guidance of Gov. Phil Scott and state Health Commissioner Dr. Mark Levine to redouble efforts to minimize the spread of the coronavirus.
“Now is the time for us to put the health and wellbeing of others before our own interests,” he said.
Around the state the unemployment rate for October ranged from 1.7 percent in White River Junction to 4.2 percent in Woodstock.
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