June Employment Figures Signal Growth
July 26, 2017
Charleston, W.Va. – Recently released numbers from Workforce West Virginia and the U.S. Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics indicate that West Virginia’s economy is showing encouraging job growth.
Reports for June 2017 show total employment in West Virginia climbing to over 744,000 for the first time in nearly a year. West Virginia Chamber President Steve Roberts stated, “Recently released employment numbers for June signal that West Virginia’s jobs recovery is real.”
Roberts continued, “Much of the increase in employment has been seen in the education and healthcare sectors, but coal prices and production have also risen, paving the way for nearly 1,300 more mining jobs since the beginning of the year. Additionally, we are pleased that construction employment is also up.”
According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, West Virginia coal production has increased 31% compared to June of 2016. In addition, natural gas production is at a five-year high, and prices continue to trend upwards.
Roberts added, “Much more work remains to be done, but we are seeing the results of improved policies at both the state and national level. Thanks to the crucial reforms enacted by the West Virginia Legislature, as well as those currently being undertaken in our nation’s capital, West Virginia’s economy is continuing to improve.”
The West Virginia Chamber is the voice of business in West Virginia. Chamber members are found in every county and employ over half of our state’s workers.