Latest Jobs Report: 19,000 Jobs Added from October 2018 to October 2019
November 12, 2019
Charleston, W.Va. – The monthly state data release from Workforce WV that became available this afternoon shows West Virginia added 19,000 jobs from October 2018 to October 2019. The latest report also shows that the state continues to remain at its highest levels of employment since 2008. Total employment for October 2019 in West Virginia climbed to 763,000. That level of employment represents the best October since 2008 and the best single month since January 2009 – nearly eleven years ago.
West Virginia Chamber President Steve Roberts stated, “The job growth in West Virginia this year has been truly incredible. From March of this year forward, every month has represented the highest levels of employment in a decade. Total employment in West Virginia increased 19,000 from October 2018 to October 2019. If we can keep that pace for the next year, West Virginia will be at an all-time high in the number of people working in the state.”
Some of the highlights of the October 2019 Jobs Report are as follows:
- The Civilian Labor Force is 801,000 – net gain of 16,800
- Total Employment is 763,000 – net gain of 19,000
- Total Unemployment is 38,100 – down 2,100
- Private Sector Employment is 581,500 – net gain of 2,200
- Mining & Logging is at 22,200 – a loss of 500
- Manufacturing is at 47,900 – a gain of 300
- Construction is at 46,200 – a gain of 500
- Educational & Health Services is at 130,000 – a gain of 1,700
- Retail Trade is at 81,000 – a loss of 900
Roberts concluded, “Another great sign of this report is that for the first time since March 2013, the Civilian Labor Force rose to over 800,000. This important metric measures the number of people – both employed and unemployed but actively seeking employment – that are in the workforce. A few years ago we saw a shift in policy in our state in how we treat employers. The results are clear – it is working.”
Members of the West Virginia Chamber of Commerce are your small business neighbors. Chamber members employ over half of our state’s workforce and are found in every county and region of our state. More information on the West Virginia Chamber of Commerce can be found at www.wvchamber.com.