Columbus, OH – The Buckeye Institute’s lead economist Orphe Divounguy, Ph.D., commented on newly released unemployment data from the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services.

“Last month, the civilian labor force fell slightly (-0.1%) despite a small increase in the working-age population. However, in a positive sign, Ohio created more jobs than expected (0.2%), with non-agricultural wage and salary employment increasing 11,500 over the month, and employment in goods-producing industries standing at 909,500, an increase of 4,700 over the month.

“A declining labor force, coupled with positive job growth, indicates that while some unemployed workers are finding jobs, others are leaving the labor force. One reason could be, the newly unemployed, those who had just returned to the labor force, lacked the skills employers look for and exited the market place. 

“It is also likely that the job growth reflects a larger number of employed workers moving on to better jobs. This would be a positive sign, since the increase in job transitions should result in stronger wage growth.

“While job growth in 2017 has slowed, Ohio is not unique, as the state’s employment picture is consistent with the rest of the US economy.”

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