BOSTON (AP) — The unemployment rate in Massachusetts continues to drop and is now at its lowest point since April 2001.
The state Office of Labor and Workforce Development said Thursday that unemployment stood at 3.3 percent in October, down from 3.6 percent in September. The rate has fallen in four consecutive months and remains well below the October national rate of 4.9 percent.
The most recent monthly drop came despite preliminary estimates from the federal Bureau of Labor Statistics showing Massachusetts lost 5,500 jobs in October.
Revised September estimates show the state gained 8,100 jobs in that month, up from the previous estimate of 5,100 jobs gained.
Despite a thriving job market, Secretary of Labor and Workforce Development Ronald Walker says there are still residents who are still struggling to find work.