(KNSI) – Another 9,000 people jumped into the labor force in Minnesota in June.
That represents the fourth consecutive month of gains and the most for a single period since 2020 as early pandemic restrictions began to be lifted. The labor force participation rate increased to 68.4%. It is a welcome change for businesses in the state that have struggled for years to find candidates to fill open positions.
Economists tend to view that as a sign of strength for the economy as it shows people feel there are opportunities available that they should be actively seeking out. Department of Employment and Economic Development Commissioner Matt Varilek says, “More workers mean more good news for Minnesota.”
For the month, payrolls shrank by 4,300 positions. Minnesota has added jobs in nine months of the past year, while losing them in three, including June. The losses were mostly in the hospitality and leisure sector.
Employment in the St. Cloud area grew by 2.3% over the past year, in line with Duluth and the Twin Cities. Mankato saw hiring surge by 6.5% over the same timeframe.
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