Category Archives: News Releases

Idaho’s unemployment rate increases to 3.7% in July

NEWS RELEASE

For Immediate Release: Aug. 15, 2025
Media Contact: John.Panter@labor.idaho.gov or Will.Hoenike@labor.idaho.gov

Idaho’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate increased between June and July, from 3.6% to 3.7%.

July’s labor force decreased by 451 people to 1,010,133 while the labor force participation rate – the percentage of people 16 years or older who are either employed or looking for work – decreased by 0.2 percentage points between June and July, down to 63.2%.

Total employment decreased by 643 (-0.1%) to 973,241 and unemployment increased by 192 (0.5%) to 36,892. Continue reading →

Labor economist to analyze Idaho’s marginal labor force at August webinar

NEWS RELEASE

For Immediate Release: Aug. 12, 2025
Media Contact: Lisa.Grigg@labor.idaho.gov

Idaho Department of Labor Economist Lisa Grigg will discuss the subsections of Idaho’s population that are potentially overlooked and underutilized within the labor force at a webinar, Tuesday, Aug. 19.

“Labor force numbers show Idaho’s trends in both employment and unemployment, but there is a large portion of the population that it misses. If someone wants a job, but is not actively sending out resumes or contacting employers – they are not considered part of the labor force,” Grigg said. “This webinar is meant to try to help employers understand the main reasons job seekers may drop out of the labor force – even if they would prefer to be employed.”

Continue reading →

Governor recognizes Orofino volunteer for contributions

NEWS RELEASE

For Immediate Release: July 30, 2025
Media Contact: Will.Hoenike@labor.idaho.gov

Pictured above: Jo Moore (left) and Susan Jacobson (right).

A volunteer from Orofino received recognition for her service at the Idaho Capital for a Day event hosted by Gov. Brad Little, Thursday July 24.

Serve Idaho, the Governor’s Commission on Service and Volunteerism, recognized Jo Moore with the Idaho’s Brightest Star Award for her exceptional volunteer service.

Moore was nominated by Susan Jacobson, president of the Clearwater Community Complex, for her dedication and commitment to ensuring a public aquatic facility is built. She has raised funds, gathered community input and support and provided weekly updates to the local paper on the progress of the project. Continue reading →

Hiring event brings job opportunities to Coeur d’Alene

NEWS RELEASE

For Immediate Release: July 30, 2025
Media Contact: Will.Hoenike@labor.idaho.gov

A hiring event will be held Wednesday, Aug. 6, from noon to 3 p.m. at the Coeur d’Alene Public Library, 702 E. Front Ave.

Employers planning to attend include All Ways Caring HomeCare, Buck Knives, Coeur d’Alene School District, Easterseals-Goodwill, Equus Workforce Solutions, Hilton Grand Vacations, Inland Chess Club, North Idaho Dental Group, PotlatchDeltic and more.

Jobs available include sales representatives, caregivers, certified nursing assistants, night janitorial staff, instructors, agents and others.

Continue reading →

Labor law posters available online for Idaho businesses

NEWS RELEASE

For Immediate Release: July 28, 2025
Media Contact: Will.Hoenike@labor.idaho.gov

Idaho businesses are again being solicited by private companies to pay for required labor law posters that the Idaho Department of Labor provides online for free.

Employers are required to place the legally mandated posters on safety, wages and discrimination in the workplace where they can easily be seen by employees.

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Idaho’s unemployment rate remains at 3.6% in June

NEWS RELEASE

For Immediate Release: July 18, 2025
Media Contact: John.Panter@labor.idaho.gov or Will.Hoenike@labor.idaho.gov

Idaho’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate was unchanged between May and June, remaining at 3.6%.

June’s labor force decreased by 541 people (-0.1%) to 1,010,662 while the labor force participation rate – the percentage of people 16 years or older who are either employed or looking for work – decreased by 0.1 percentage point between May and June, down to 63.4%.
Total employment decreased by 426 to 973,958 and unemployment decreased by 115 (-0.3%) to 36,704.

Continue reading →

Labor economist to explore Idaho’s demographics and population projections in July webinar

NEWS RELEASE

For Immediate Release: July 15, 2025
Media Contact: Samuel.Wokenhauer@labor.idaho.gov

Idaho Department of Labor Economist Sam Wolkenhauer will discuss Idaho’s demographics and new population projections at a webinar Tuesday, July 22.

“Idaho continues to run contrary to the national trend of flatlining population growth and is one of the fastest growing states,” Wolkenhauer said. “There are a lot of variances within Idaho’s population growth, both in terms of which counties are growing and the age structure of the population.”

Continue reading →

Nampa Public Library and Idaho Department of Labor hosts Second Annual Hiring and Resource Fair, July 21

NEWS RELEASE

For Immediate Release: July 14, 2025
Media Contact: Will.Hoenike@labor.idaho.gov

The Idaho Department of Labor is cohosting a hiring and resource fair with the Nampa Public Library on Monday, July 21, from noon to 3 p.m.

The event takes place at the Nampa Public Library located at 215 12th Ave. St.

“In addition to job and resource booths, attendees will hear from local and state government speakers, including a featured session with an economist from the department sharing insights on Idaho’s economic outlook,” Workforce Consultant Traci Petitt said. “Whether you’re looking for a new opportunity or supportive services, this event offers something for everyone in our community.”

Job seekers will have an opportunity to meet with many employers to discuss job openings including the Ada County Sheriff’s Office, Bogus Basin, City of Nampa, Papa Murphy’s, Idaho Association of General Contractors, Durham School Services and more.

Continue reading →

Hiring event in Coeur d’Alene offers opportunity to connect to employers, July 9

NEWS RELEASE

For Immediate Release: July 2, 2025
Media Contact: Will.Hoenike@labor.idaho.gov

A hiring event will be held Wednesday, July 9, from noon to 3 p.m. at the Coeur d’Alene Public Library, 702 E. Front Ave.

Employers planning to attend include Ace Industrial Supply, All Ways Caring HomeCare, Comfort Keepers, Buck Knives, Hecla Mining Company, New York Life, North Idaho College, North Idaho Dental Group, Phoenix Protective Corporation, TDS Telecom, Toastmasters International and more.

Jobs available include sales agents, caregivers, health care assistants, certified nursing assistants, skilled trade positions, customer service agents, financial service professionals and others.

Continue reading →

Idaho Department of Labor works to prevent, stop unemployment insurance fraud

NEWS RELEASE

For Immediate Release: June 23, 2025
Media Contact: Darlene.Carnopis@labor.idaho.gov

The conviction of Woody Roberts, 38, of Jerome, for two counts of Misrepresentation to Obtain Unemployment Insurance Benefits, began as an investigation by Idaho Department of Labor compliance staff as part of the Department’s efforts to stop unemployment insurance fraud.

“Preventing unemployment insurance fraud helps us keep unemployment insurance taxes low while still providing benefits to eligible individuals,” said Idaho Department of Labor Director Jani Revier.

Continue reading →