Berks & Beyond Blog

The latest jobs report, released last week, was undoubtedly positive.  Nearly every industry added workers in January, with restaurants, health care, manufacturing, and professional and business services registering the biggest hiring gains.

According to a recent Wall Street Journal article that analyzed the jobs report, around 164,000 health care jobs, 167,000 leisure and hospitality jobs, and 94,000 manufacturing jobs have been added nationwide since mid-2011. Over the same period, 109,000 temporary workers were hired.  Expert say the economic downturn was devastating for low-skilled workers, and that as a result, low-wage sectors accounted for most of the recent increases in hiring.

So how is the recovery looking in Harrisburg?

Download the “Harrisburg-Carlisle.pdf” file on this Selected BLS Economic Indicators page to see how the Harrisburg-Carlisle Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) stacks up against Pennsylvania and the nation.

As of December 2011, the Harrisburg-Carlisle MSA’s unemployment rate was 6.5% – significantly lower than the national (8.3%) and state (7.2%) rates.  However, total nonfarm employment is actually down .2% in the Harrisburg area from this time last year, while the state’s employment increased (+1.0%).  For comprehensive employment statistics, follow this link:

Bureau of Labor Statistics Harrisburg-Carlisle, PA: Nonfarm employment and labor force data

Want to learn more?

Contact us and a Berks and Beyond staffing professional will show you how our services can help you make the most of our current economy.  Our staffing services for Central and Southern PA employers will keep your workforce flexible, while allowing you to capitalize on new business opportunities.

It’s ironic that the last post I wrote about Harrisburg’s economic situation came the day after a 265-point stock market drop.  At that time, the Bureau of Labor Statistics Economic Indicators were not very encouraging.

So how are things today, exactly one year later?

To see how the Harrisburg-Carlisle Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) stacks up against Pennsylvania and the nation, download the “Harrisburg-Carlisle.pdf” file on this Selected BLS Economic Indicators page, last updated August 5, 2011.

The Harrisburg-Carlisle MSA’s unemployment rate was 7.4% as of June, 2011.  This is slightly lower than both the state of Pennsylvania and the nation as a whole – and is down .9% from this time last year.  However, total nonfarm employment is down .3% in the Harrisburg area from this time last year, while the state’s employment actually increased slightly (+.9%).  For comprehensive employment statistics, follow this link:

Bureau of Labor Statistics Harrisburg-Carlisle, PA: Nonfarm employment and labor force data

Taking all of these statistics into account, it’s easy to see that the Harrisburg market – like much of our nation – is still struggling to gain momentum after a lengthy recession.  We’ll have to wait and see how the raised debt ceiling, downgraded credit rating and subsequent stock market turmoil will affect the recovery.

Want to learn more?

Contact us and a Berks and Beyond staffing professional will show you how our services can help you make the most of our current economy – by saving you money, reducing your risks and keeping your workforce lean and flexible.

Did yesterday’s 265-point stock market drop leave you wondering what’s happened to our supposed economic recovery?  Unfortunately, this month’s Bureau of Labor Statistics Economic Indicators are not any more encouraging.

To see how the Harrisburg-Carlisle Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) stacks up against Pennsylvania and the nation, download the “Harrisburg-Carlisle.pdf” file on this Selected BLS Economic Indicators page, last updated July 20, 2010.

The Harrisburg-Carlisle MSA’s unemployment rate was 8.3% as of May, 2010 – slightly lower than both the state of Pennsylvania and the nation as a whole.  However, total nonfarm employment is down 1.1% in the Harrisburg area from this time last year, while the state’s employment increased slightly (+.5%).  For comprehensive employment statistics, follow this link:

Bureau of Labor Statistics Harrisburg-Carlisle, PA: Nonfarm employment and labor force data

Want to learn more?

Contact us and a Berks and Beyond staffing professional will show you how our services can help you make the most of our current economy – by saving you money, reducing your risks and keeping your workforce lean and flexible.