Category Archives: News Releases

Unemployment insurance requirements in Idaho are changing July 7

NEWS RELEASE

For Immediate Release: May 15, 2024
Media Contact: Casey.Hofland@labor.idaho.gov

Starting July 7, Idahoans filing for unemployment insurance must complete and report five work search-related activities each week.

The increase from two to five activities claimants will be required to report each week is an outcome of House Bill 686, which passed during the 2024 legislative session and was signed into law by Gov. Brad Little.

“The Legislature’s intent with HB 686 is twofold — to increase the opportunities for Idahoans to secure meaningful work and to help businesses find employees,” said Idaho Department of Labor Director Jani Revier.

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Learn about Idaho’s unemployment insurance Navigators, May 14

NEWS RELEASE

For Immediate Release: May 8, 2024
Media Contact: Craig.Shaul@labor.idaho.gov or Lisa.Grigg@labor.idaho.gov

Idaho’s job market has remained remarkably robust since September 2023, maintaining a steady unemployment rate of 3.3%. Excluding the immediate post-pandemic period of 2020-2021, Idaho has not had an annual unemployment rate of over 4% since 2014, according to Labor Economist Lisa Grigg.

“Despite an incredibly low unemployment rate statewide, businesses still close, change processes, or must halt work due to seasonal factors, leading workers to rely on unemployment benefits as a temporary bridge between jobs,” Grigg said.

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Wages increase in Ada County, Labor puts on hiring event

NEWS RELEASE

For Immediate Release: May 9, 2024
Media Contact: Joe.Goitianda@labor.idaho.gov

The average covered wage for all industries in Ada County has grown by 25% since 2019, according to Labor Economist Jan Roeser.

And from a recent news release from the Idaho Department of Labor, the Boise Metropolitan Statistical Area had the largest average hourly wage increase of $2.62 over the year.

Job seekers in Boise who are looking to change careers, are invited to a hiring event Wednesday, May 15, from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at the Boise Public Library. The library is located at 715 S. Capitol Blvd.

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Migration into northern Idaho creates job opportunities for residents

NEWS RELEASE

For Immediate Release: May 7, 2024
Media Contact: Tara.McKelvey@labor.idaho.gov

There has been significant migration into northern Idaho, according to Labor Economist Lisa Grigg. Within a five-year span, 2018-2023, the region’s population increased by 15%.

“A growing population requires more goods, services, infrastructure and construction activities,” Grigg said. “The need for labor also remains strong.”

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Idaho’s 2023 average hourly wage increased 8.3% from 2022

NEWS RELEASE

For Immediate Release: May 7, 2024
Media Contact: Amanda.Rea@labor.idaho.gov
or John.Panter@labor.idaho.gov

Idaho’s average wage for all occupations was $26.75 per hour in 2023, according to recently released data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics survey. This amounts to an increase of 8.3%, or $2.06 per hour, from the year prior.

The median wage, representing the midpoint between lowest and highest earners, also rose from $19.26 per hour in 2022 to $21.27 per hour in 2023 — a 10.4% increase over the year.

All of Idaho’s Metropolitan Statistical Areas (MSAs) had an increase in median wage of over $1.00 from 2022 to 2023. However, average wages and staffing patterns vary across the state. The Boise MSA had the largest average hourly wage increase of $2.62 over the year.

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Idaho City volunteers recognized for contributions

NEWS RELEASE

For Immediate Release: April 26, 2024
Media Contact: Renee.Bade@labor.idaho.gov

Two volunteers from Idaho City were honored for their service as part of the Idaho Capital for a Day event hosted by Gov. Brad Little, Friday, April 26.

SMichelle Audette and Lisa Hansonerve Idaho, the Governor’s Commission on Service and Volunteerism, recognized Michelle Audette and Lisa Hanson of Idaho City with the Idaho’s Brightest Star Award for their exemplary volunteer service.

Audette and Hanson served at the Idaho City Chamber of Commerce from 2015 – 2023 as president, vice president, secretary and treasurer. The Idaho City Chamber of Commerce nominated them for the extensive work they did in support of the chamber’s mission.

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Rexburg employers seek workers for vacant job openings

NEWS RELEASE

For Immediate Release: April 24, 2024
Media Contact: Maria.Martin@labor.idaho.gov

Idaho ranked No. 1 in the nation at 3.7% for over-the-year nonfarm job growth in March. While the state’s unemployment rate remains the same at 3.3%, local businesses continue to create job opportunities for residents.

Rexburg employers with job openings to fill will be available at the Idaho Department of Labor’s job fair, Tuesday, April 30, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at VFW – Veterans of Foreign Wars Hall, 480 W. Second N.

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Idaho’s March unemployment rate remains at 3.3%

NEWS RELEASE

For Immediate Release: April 19, 2024
Media Contact: William.Winkle@labor.idaho.gov or
Salvador.Vazquez@labor.idaho.gov

– State first in nation for over-the-year nonfarm job growth at 3.7% –

Idaho’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate was 3.3% in March, unchanged since September 2023.

The state’s labor force increased by 2,029 people (0.2%) to 971,488 while the labor force participation rate — the percentage of people 16 years of age or older who are either employed or looking for work — held steady at 62.6% between February and March.

Total employment increased by 2,092 (0.2%) to 939,175 as unemployment decreased by 63 (-0.2%) to 32,313.

Idaho’s nonfarm jobs increased by 3,100 to 866,300 in March. Industry sectors with the greatest over-the-month gains included nondurable goods manufacturing (2.1%); arts, entertainment, and recreation (1.2%); other services (1.1%); finance and insurance (1.0%); state government (0.9%); construction (0.8%); wholesale trade (0.8%); federal government (0.7%); retail trade (0.6%); and durable goods manufacturing (0.5%).

Industries that experienced job declines in March included private educational services
(-1.8%) as well professional and business services (-0.8%).

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Learn about the state’s minimum wage at Idaho Department of Labor seminar

NEWS RELEASE

For Immediate Release: April 17, 2024
Media Contact: Dave.Darrow@labor.idaho.gov

The department is hosting a free seminar for businesses to learn about Wage and Hour, Wednesday, April 24, from 10 to 11:30 a.m. MDT via Zoom.

Wage and Hour Program Supervisor Artie Holmes, will cover minimum wage, overtime, child labor, wage payment and other topics that protect both workers and employers.

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Kootenai County sees high demand for workers

NEWS RELEASE

For Immediate Release: April 10, 2024
Media Contact: Tara.McKelvey@labor.idaho.gov

There are a little over 1,500 job postings in Kootenai County, according to northern Idaho Labor Economist Sam Wolkenhauer. The top industries hiring include hospitals, restaurants, insurance carriers, accommodation and retail.

The Idaho Department of Labor has approximately 80 employers attending a hiring event, Wednesday, April 17, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Real Life Ministries, 1860 N. Cecil Road in Post Falls.

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