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Maryland Unemployment Rate Drops to 5.4%

Private Sector Added 32,100 jobs since March 2014

BALTIMORE, MD (April 21, 2015) – The U.S. Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) released state jobs and unemployment data earlier today. According to the preliminary survey data, Maryland jobs have decreased by 5,700 total jobs over-the-month. The private sector decreased by 2,400 jobs and the public sector decreased by 3,300 jobs. Still, Maryland’s private sector has added 32,100 jobs since March 2014. Maryland’s preliminary March unemployment rate was driven down to 5.4 percent from 5.5 percent.

“The Maryland Department of Labor is committed to the success of our workforce development initiatives. We’re establishing new partnerships and strengthening existing stakeholder relationships as we steer our state’s workforce development efforts directly toward the tangible needs of Maryland’s industries. Together with our stakeholders: employers, employees, training providers, community colleges, consumers, education partners and federal state and local government colleagues, we’re forging a collaborative new path that optimizes job growth and fosters meaningful employment within Maryland’s existing and emerging industries. Maryland really is open for business,” said Maryland Labor Secretary Kelly M. Schulz.

According to the data released today, the Leisure and Hospitality sector gained 1,700 jobs. (The Accommodation and Food Services subsector decreased by 1,000 jobs. The Arts, Entertainment and Recreation subsector increased by 2,700 jobs.) The Education and Health Services sector added 500 jobs. (The Educational Services subsector decreased by 100 jobs. The Health Care and Social Assistance subsector added 600 jobs.) The Financial Activities sector gained 300 jobs. (The Finance and Insurance subsector added 200 jobs. The Real Estate and Rental and Leasing subsector gained 100 jobs.) The Information sector gained 300 jobs.

About the Maryland Department of Labor
The Maryland Department of Labor is committed to safeguarding and protecting Marylanders. We're proud to support the economic stability of the state by providing businesses, the workforce, and the consuming public with high-quality, customer-focused regulatory, employment, and training services. For updates and information, follow the Maryland Department of Labor on Twitter (@MD_Labor), Facebook and visit our website.

Employment Situation

Note: Data is spidered in on the DLLR website directly from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) using Datazoa and a slight lag may exist as the database is refreshed.

For immediate access to this month's jobs data please go to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) website.