Governor Glenn Youngkin made an announcement about Virginia's employment

EmployeesPhoto byK. Mitch HodgeonUnsplash

Governor Glenn Youngkin made an announcement on Tuesday, September 19, 2023, about an increase in Virginia's employment.

Youngkin announced that there was an increase of over 7,300 more employed Virginians in August 2023. The increase brought the total to 226,954 more people employed since January 2022.

Employees in conference roomPhoto byMemento MediaonUnsplash

Labor force increase

The labor force participation rate at 66.7 percent remained unchanged in August with the highest rate since November 2012. According to the Bureau of Labor and Statistics Local Area Unemployment Statistics, the labor force in Virginia increased this month by 3,966 to 4,601,469, the largest number of workers since the counting began in 1976.

Governor Glenn Youngkin said:

“Our commonsense agenda continues to deliver results for families and local businesses across the Commonwealth, and Virginians are showing confidence by entering the labor force and achieving record highs. Virginians continue to fill the good-paying jobs available across the Commonwealth, and companies in Virginia are expanding and investing in our local communities. Together, we can accelerate this progress and move Virginia to new heights."

Secretary of Commerce Caren Merrick put the employment in perspective by saying:

“Nearly 227,000 more Virginians are employed in the Commonwealth since January 2022, making Virginia a national growth leader. As a resource for this expanding job market, we remain committed to providing a range of services and manufacturing opportunities for businesses and workers.”

The governor and his team are delighted about the increase in employment. They are committed to keeping it that way.

Hiring SignPhoto byErnie JourneysonUnsplash

Visit the Virginia Employment Commission’s website at vec.virginia.gov for more information about the present state of Virginia's employment.