Monthly Archives: August 2024

Priest River volunteer recognized for contributions

NEWS RELEASE

For Immediate Release: Aug. 30, 2024
Media Contact: Micaela.deLoyola-Carkin@labor.idaho.gov

A volunteer from Priest River was honored for her service at the Idaho Capital for a Day event hosted by Gov. Brad Little, Thursday, Aug. 29.

Serve Idaho, the Governor’s Commission on Service and Volunteerism, recognized Lynn Cooper from Priest River with Idaho’s Brightest Star Award for her exceptional volunteer service.

Priest River Advocates for Women nominated Cooper for her exceptional work supporting their mission to provide peace, friendship and encouragement for hurting and frightened women. Continue reading →

Low supply keeps Idaho home prices high

After several consecutive years of relatively high inflation, the rising cost of living has become a main concern for many Americans. While prices have risen significantly in important categories like food and utilities, there is perhaps no other expense that can induce sticker shock like the price of homes.

The affordability and availability of homes have continued to decline in recent years, with prices appearing practically indifferent to buffeting forces like rising interest rates and falling demand. In the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, as rising inflation prompted the Federal Reserve to begin raising interest rates, there were low expectations that a decade of booming home prices would begin reversing — instead, prices quickly resumed their rise and now sit at record levels.

Continue reading →

Idaho Department of Labor Twin Falls office moves to Pole Line Road

NEWS RELEASE

For Immediate Release: Aug. 26, 2024
Media Contact: Megan.Beyer@labor.idaho.gov

The department’s Twin Falls office has moved to a new location at 601 Pole Line Road.

The office is open to customers Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. The location is shared with the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare.

Customers will get the same assistance with resume writing, job applications, interview preparation, job training opportunities, community resources and filing for unemployment insurance benefits that was available at the previous location. Continue reading →

Idaho Department of Labor survey seeks responses from businesses

NEWS RELEASE

For Immediate Release: Aug. 23, 2024
Media Contact: Seth.Harrington@labor.idaho.gov or Craig.Shaul@labor.idaho.gov

The department is seeking responses for its second annual Idaho Business Climate Survey. The survey launches the week of Aug. 28. Businesses selected to participate will have two weeks to respond.

“The survey allows the department to provide real-time data on the current state of businesses in Idaho,” Labor Economist Seth Harrington said. “Businesses also share their voice on the benefits and challenges of doing business in the state.”

Continue reading →

Employers in Canyon County continue to search for job seekers

NEWS RELEASE

For Immediate Release: Aug. 21, 2024
Media Contact: Kara.Jenkins@labor.idaho.gov

There were 1,743 unique online job postings during July, with 648 employers looking for Canyon County job seekers, according to Lightcast.

“Caldwell is a well-diversified job market. Places with higher job openings include schools, hospitals, clinics, retail stores and manufacturing facilities,” Labor Economist Jan Roeser said.

Job seekers are invited to connect with employers at a hiring event, Tuesday, Aug. 27 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Idaho Department of Labor Caldwell office. The office is located at 4514 Thomas Jefferson St.

Continue reading →

Webinar will teach businesses about unemployment insurance benefits, Aug. 28

NEWS RELEASE

For Immediate Release: Aug. 21, 2024
Media Contact: Clinton.Renn@labor.idaho.gov

Idaho businesses and employers are invited to learn about unemployment insurance (UI) benefits from the Idaho Department of Labor during a free Zoom webinar Wednesday, Aug. 28 from 10 to 11:30 a.m. MDT.

The webinar featuring UI Support Analysts Louie Downey and Justin Pinter, will cover the claim filing process, what happens when a claimant quits or is fired and how to protect an account from charges.

Continue reading →

Idaho’s July unemployment rate increases to 3.5%

NEWS RELEASE

For Immediate Release: Aug. 16, 2024
Media Contact: William.Winkle@labor.idaho.gov or
John.Panter@labor.idaho.gov

Idaho’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate was 3.5% in July, an increase from June’s rate of 3.4%.

The state’s labor force increased by 3,922 people (0.4%) to 981,851 while the labor force participation rate — the percentage of people 16 years of age or older who are either employed or looking for work — increased from 62.8% to 62.9% between June and July.

Total employment increased by 3,001 (0.3%) to 947,774 as unemployment increased by 921 (2.8%) to 34,077. Continue reading →

Learn about in-demand skilled trades in Lewiston, Aug. 22

NEWS RELEASE

For Immediate Release: Aug. 15, 2024
Media Contact: Misti.Sullivan@labor.idaho.gov

Job openings continue to increase in Idaho in the skilled trades industry — specifically for welders, plumbers, electricians, commercial driver’s license workers and heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) workers.

When looking at total employment, the Lewiston Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA)’s rate of welders is nearly five times the U.S. national average. In fact, the Lewiston MSA ranks in the top five MSAs nationally for its employment concentration of welders, according to Labor Economist Lisa Grigg.

“With the 2023 median annual wage of $56,000, the Lewiston MSA has the highest median wages for welders and exceeds 20% above the statewide average of $46,000,” Grigg said.

Continue reading →

Multiple jobs available at Post Falls hiring event, Aug. 21

NEWS RELEASE

For Immediate Release: Aug. 14, 2024
Media Contact: Tara.McKelvey@labor.idaho.gov

Job seekers are invited to a hiring event Wednesday, Aug. 21, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Idaho Department of Labor’s Post Falls office. The address is 600 N. Thornton St.

“Job fairs are vital for job seekers as they offer a chance to connect with many employers, learn about different companies and explore various career opportunities all in one place,” Workforce Consultant Tara McKelvey said.

Continue reading →

Upcoming webinar will discuss Idaho’s housing and labor market, Aug. 20

NEWS RELEASE

For Immediate Release: Aug. 13, 2024
Media Contact: Samuel.Wolkenhauer@labor.idaho.gov

Idaho Department of Labor Economist Sam Wolkenhauer will present on the housing market and examine trends in construction activity, interest rates and the rental market at a free webinar Tuesday, Aug. 20.

The presentation takes place from 11 a.m. to noon MDT over Zoom.

Wolkenhauer’s findings will form a complete picture of housing availability, affordability and reasonable expectations for the market’s coming trajectory.

Continue reading →