The statewide unemployment rate in Massachusetts is holding steady at 8.2 percent, a promising sign after hitting 9.3 percent in December of 2009. But according to the State House News Service, not all areas of the state are sharing in this positive trend on the jobs front.
Citing local employment figures released today by the Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development, the State House News Service is reporting that “unemployment rates in December rose in half of the state’s 22 labor market areas.” In some areas of the state, unemployment still remains in double-digits, including Fall River (13.8 percent), New Bedford (14 percent) and Athol (11.7 percent).
The latest unemployment figures serve as a stern reminder that the Commonwealth still has a long way to go before it can recover the thousands of jobs lost during the global recession and create a more business-friendly environment that will encourage companies to grow and expand here. The Senate Republican Caucus considers jobs creation a top priority, and will be offering a variety of legislative proposals to accomplish this goal during the 2011-2012 session.
