Category Archives: News Releases

Idaho’s August unemployment rate remains at 3.5%

NEWS RELEASE

For Immediate Release: Sept. 20, 2024
Media Contact: William.Winkle@labor.idaho.gov or Craig.Shaul@labor.idaho.gov

Idaho’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate was 3.5% in August, unchanged from July.

The state’s labor force increased by 3,851 people (0.4%) to 985,722 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 62.9% to 63.1% between July and August.

Total employment increased by 2,983 (0.3%) to 950,781 as unemployment increased by 868 (2.5%) to 34,941.

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Free hamburgers and job opportunities available at Caldwell’s hiring event, Sept. 26

NEWS RELEASE

For Immediate Release: Sept. 19, 2024
Media Contact: Kara.Jenkins@labor.idaho.gov

Approximately 2,300 Canyon County employers continue to search for qualified candidates. There are currently 9,300 unique job postings in the area.

To connect job seekers with these various career opportunities, the Idaho Department of Labor is hosting a hiring event, Thursday, Sept. 26.

The event is from 3 to 6 p.m. at the department’s Caldwell office, located at 4514 Thomas Jefferson St.

“This hiring event will offer Canyon County job seekers an opportunity to connect with employers across various industries,” Labor Economist Jan Roeser said.

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Idaho ranked 4th nationally in family income growth

NEWS RELEASE

For Immediate Release: Sept. 13, 2024
Media Contact: Jan.Roeser@labor.idaho.gov

Median family income

Idaho experienced statistically significant changes in its median family income from 2022, rising by 2.7%. The state ranked 4th in growth nationally, according to the latest American Community Survey from the U.S. Census Bureau.

Montana was the only other western state that ranked in the top 10.

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Approximately 125 jobs available at Post Falls hiring event, Sept. 18

NEWS RELEASE

For Immediate Release: Sept. 11, 2024
Media Contact: Jaquetta.Banks@labor.idaho.gov

Kootenai County currently has over 1,400 job postings and 522 employers looking to fill positions.

“The top five hiring industries include administrative and support services; hospitals; ambulatory health care services; professional, scientific and technical services; and food services and drinking places,” said Sam Wolkenhauer, labor economist for the Idaho Department of Labor.

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Department of Labor names new economist for southeastern Idaho

NEWS RELEASE

For Immediate Release: Sept. 10, 2024
Media Contact: Craig.Shaul@labor.idaho.gov

Brandon Duong is the new Idaho Department of Labor regional labor economist for southeastern Idaho, covering Bannock, Bear Lake, Bingham, Caribou, Franklin, Oneida and Power counties. He replaces the previous economist, Matthew Paskash.

Brandon Duong

Duong earned a bachelor’s degree in statistics with an emphasis on actuarial science from Utah State University in May. After graduating, he decided to return to his roots in Pocatello to serve Idahoans.

He also interned with the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services where he assisted checking compliance of Medicare Part C plans.

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Sept. 11 webinar provides tools to help avoid workforce discrimination claims

NEWS RELEASE

For Immediate Release: Sept. 4, 2024
Media Contact: Benjamin.Earwicker@labor.idaho.gov

Idaho employers and human resource staff are invited to attend a free webinar, Wednesday, Sept. 11 from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. MT. presented by the Idaho Human Rights Commission (IHRC) and the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC).

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Idaho Department of Labor researcher will discuss findings about airport worker fatalities, Sept. 10

NEWS RELEASE

For Immediate Release: Sept. 3, 2024
Media Contact: Craig.Shaul@labor.idaho.gov

Following a nationwide trend, Idaho has been experiencing a rise in accidents related to airports from 2018-2023. These accidents involved airport and associated airline employees, such as pilots, tarmac workers and baggage claim workers.

Most of Idaho’s airport-related accidents were in 2022, according to research findings from the Idaho Department of Labor, the National Transportation and Safety Board and the Idaho Industrial Commission’s information on workers’ compensation with OSHA’s data also potentially supporting this finding.

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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 →

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.”

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