Connecticut lost jobs in February, the state’s first monthly decline since last summer. Department of Labor officials say the record cold snap may be to blame.
February saw a net loss of 3,700 jobs in Connecticut, with the state losing employment in education, construction and the food service industry. The month brought record cold and frequent, heavy snowfalls, and officials say that appears to have affected not only employment, but also hours worked and levels of unemployment claims.
A monthly decline in February is not unusual in recent years — Connecticut also saw a dip in employment in February of 2014 and 2013 - also months marked by deep cold and heavy snows.
The bleak February report follows a particularly optimistic start to the year - the data for January were revised upwards in this latest report, bringing the net number of jobs added in that month to 7,500. In the last 12 months, the state has added 25,800 jobs.
