Jobless Rate in CT Highest since 1976

The last time this many people were out of work in Connecticut was 1976.

The latest state labor department figures are out and the news is grim -- the unemployment rate in Connecticut inched up in February to its highest level in 34 years.

Figures released Thursday show unemployment rose from 9% in January to 9.1% in February.  Greater Waterbury had the highest rate at 13.4% -- while Danbury had the lowest with a jobless rate of 8.5%.

The only glimmer of good news is that Connecticut's unemployment rate is still lower than the national level of 9.7%.

A state labor statistician, Salvatore DiPillo, said while the recession has lasted a long time in Connecticut -- 23 months -- there is reason for cautious optimism because the rapid job losses in 2009 appear to have slowed.

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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