Construction jobs down but Philadelphia's unemployment rate falls again

Philadelphia's unemployment rate dropped to 6.8 percent in April 2014, it's lowest total since 2008. It fell 3.3 percent since April 2013.

Construction and information jobs saw the most significant declines, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Construction. mining and logging jobs fell by 2.8 percent compared to a year ago, with 10,400 jobs in April 2014. But that number looks good compared to March which saw a 6.6 percent year-over-year decline.

Information jobs fell by 2.6 percent year-over-year to 11,400.

Here's a sector-by-sector breakdown:

• Construction, mining, logging: -2.8 percent
• Manufacturing: -0.5 percent
• Trade, transportation, utilities: 2.8 percent
• Information: -2.6 percent
• Financial: 2.0 percent
• Education: 2.0 percent
• Leisure/Hospitality: -0.5 percent

Other highlights include:

• The number of jobs in Philadelphia increased by 4,000 from March to April to 675,800. Highest number for an April since 2003.
• The number of Philadelphians employed increased by 5,200 to 598,934. Highest number since December 2001.
• The number of Philadelphians unemployed decreased by 8,750 to 43,411. Lowest number since May 2008.

"As Philadelphia continues to grow our way back from the Great Recession, my administration remains committed to attracting new business, creating more jobs, and providing more opportunities for all Philadelphians to work and earn a decent living,” said Mayor Michael A. Nutter. “Whether it’s a big corporation such as Comcast undergoing major expansion or a small business on Torresdale Avenue taking advantage of our Storefront Improvement Program, our economic development team works day-in and day-out to support businesses and job growth in our great city.”

Source: Philadelphia Business Journal