Maine’s jobless rate was 4.8% in February, a slight decrease from the 4.9% in January, according to preliminary seasonally-adjusted numbers from the state’s Department of Labor.
The numbers show a weakening in the Maine labor market consistent with national trends, Laura Fortman, the state’s labor commissioner, said in a press release. The national seasonally-adjusted unemployment rate in February was 4.8%.
Maine saw a decrease of 1,700 nonfarm wage and salary jobs during February, which came primarily from the private sector (-1,200) and government (-500). Private sector losses in the construction, manufacturing, and retail more than offset gains in the health care and leisure and hospitality industries.
