Category Archives: News Releases

Around 530 employers look to fill job openings in Kootenai County

NEWS RELEASE

For Immediate Release: July 11, 2024
Media Contact: Tara.McKelvey@labor.idaho.gov

The top industries hiring in Kootenai County are administrative services, ambulatory health care and hospitals, according to Idaho Department of Labor Economist Sam Wolkenhauer.

There are approximately 1,285 job openings in the area. To connect employers to perspective job candidates, the Idaho Department of Labor is hosting a hiring event Wednesday, July 17, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the department’s Post Falls office. The address is 600 N. Thornton St.

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Labor economists dive into Idaho’s fish and wildlife industry, July 9

NEWS RELEASE

For Immediate Release: July 1, 2024
Media Contact: Craig.Shaul@labor.idaho.gov

In 2023, there were over 4,200 jobs in Idaho related to fishing, game hunting and supporting occupations. Cumulatively, the occupations have grown at a 6.6% rate since 2012, according to the Idaho Department of Labor.

“Based on the department’s occupational projections for 2022 through 2032, job growth for these occupations is projected to expand by 22.1% as one of the fastest growing occupations in Idaho,” Labor Economist Ryan Whitesides said.

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Idaho’s May unemployment rate remains at 3.3%

NEWS RELEASE

For Immediate Release: June 21, 2024
Media Contact: William.Winkle@labor.idaho.gov or Craig.Shaul@labor.idaho.gov

– State first in nation for over-the-month nonfarm job growth at 0.9% –

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

The state’s labor force increased by 1,679 people (0.2%) to 975,713 while the labor force participation rate — the percentage of people 16 years of age or older who are either employed or looking for work — remained at 62.7% between April and May.

Total employment increased by 1,363 (0.1%) to 943,123 as unemployment increased by 316 (1%) to 32,590.

Idaho’s nonfarm jobs increased by 7,600 (0.9%) to 871,000 in May — the largest percentage change among all states. Industry sectors with the greatest over-the-month increases included arts, entertainment, and recreation (10.4%); transportation, warehousing, and utilities (3%); private educational services (2.9%); state government (1.5%); wholesale trade (1.4%); professional and business services (1.2%); durable goods manufacturing (0.9%); health care and social services (0.9%); real estate rental and leasing (0.9%); and construction (0.7%). Continue reading →

Unemployment insurance weekly requirements to increase July 7

NEWS RELEASE

For Immediate Release: June 18, 2024
Media Contact: Josh.McKenna@labor.idaho.gov

Starting July 7, unemployment insurance claimants in Idaho will need to complete and report five work search actions each week to receive benefits. Submitting a resume or job application to an employer or attending a job fair or workshop are examples of acceptable work search actions. 

The Idaho Department of Labor offers help from navigators — unemployment insurance experts at local offices across the state — who can help claimants report their weekly actions and navigate the online claimant portal.

Workforce consultants are also available at local offices to help people with their job search, from preparing a resume to finding and applying for a job. Meeting with a workforce consultant can also be counted as a valid work search action.

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U.S. Census of Agriculture data to be presented at webinar, June 11

NEWS RELEASE

For Immediate Release: June 6, 2024
Media Contact: Craig.Shaul@labor.idaho.gov

According to the U.S. Census of Agriculture’s 2022 data, released in February, Idaho has lost 2,119 farms, or 8.5% of its total farms, between 2017 and 2022.

Idaho’s contiguous states have also lost farm operations, most to a greater degree than Idaho. Among border states, only Oregon and Utah lost less farms than Idaho.

Idaho Department of Labor economist Jan Roeser will provide an overview of the data presented in a free webinar Tuesday, June 11, from 11 a.m. to noon MDT.

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Spring and summer jobs are main contributors to regional Coeur d’Alene employment growth

NEWS RELEASE

For Immediate Release: June 5, 2024
Media Contact: Tara.McKelvey@labor.idaho.gov

Over 900 northern Idaho employers posted 4,000 jobs online in May 2024. Top listings included health care diagnosis, retail sales, food and beverage workers, and management positions.

April, May, June and July contribute to 80-90% of total regional employment growth for the year in Coeur d’Alene. After July, minor employment declines are expected heading into the fall months, according to Labor Economist Lisa Grigg.

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Caldwell’s growing population means more job opportunities

NEWS RELEASE

For Immediate Release: May 29, 2024
Media Contact: Traci.Petitt@labor.idaho.gov

Idaho’s population continues to grow, especially, in the southwestern region of the state. The U.S. Census Bureau projected a population estimate of 68,336 people, as of July 1, 2023, in Caldwell – alone. The city has a high growth rate of 3.7% and its increase over the year of almost 2,500 people ranked it third highest in numerical growth.

To help people moving into the region find work or Idahoans to change careers, the Idaho Department of Labor is hosting an early summer job fair, Tuesday, June 4, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Caldwell Labor office. The address is 4514 Thomas Jefferson St.

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Idaho’s April unemployment rate remains at 3.3%

NEWS RELEASE

For Immediate Release: May 17, 2024
Media Contact: William.Winkle@labor.idaho.gov or Craig.Shaul@labor.idaho.gov

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

The state’s labor force increased by 2,595 people (0.3%) to 974,053 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 to 62.7% from March’s 62.6%.

Total employment increased by 2,606 (0.3%) to 941,771 as unemployment was relatively unchanged at 32,282. Continue reading →

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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