Vermont unemployment rate falls to 2.9 percent
The Vermont seasonally-adjusted unemployment rate fell again and at 2.9 percent in March is back under 3 percent for the first time since just before the pandemic hit in early 2020. The rate reflects a decrease of one-tenth of one percentage point from the prior month’s revised estimate of 3.0 percent. Vermont now is tied for the lowest rate in the nation with three Western states. There are still over 28,000 filing unemployment claims in Vermont. While this about a third the number of filers from the peak of the pandemic, it is still historically high. Ongoing claims typically would be under 6,000. The pandemic numbers also include new programs like the PUA, which in recent weeks has accounted for almost 9,000 claims.
Unemployment rate falls another tenth to 3.1 percent
The Vermont Department of Labor has reported that the seasonally-adjusted statewide unemployment rate for February was 3.1 percent. This reflects a decrease of one-tenth of one percentage point from the prior month’s revised estimate of 3.2 percent. The comparable United States rate in February was 6.2 percent, which was a decrease of one-tenth of one percentage point from the revised January estimate. The decline is largely due to a sharp decrease in the Labor Force from January. The number of unemployed also fell. Both the Labor Force and total Employed represent about 30,000 fewer workers than a year ago, which was pre-pandemic.
Wed, 03/31/2021 - 5:35pm tim
Vermont Business Magazine The State of Vermont received a grant totaling over $1 million from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), awarded to help reimburse expenses associated with ongoing COVID-19 response efforts.
The grant of $1,397,762 is given to the Agency of Commerce and Community Development, to pass through to Southern Vermont Community Action (SEVCA), for food distribution to high risk populations. Work performed under this grant occurred from January 18 to February 14.
In response to the pandemic’s threat to health and safety, Vermont’s Agency of Commerce and Community Development entered into an agreement with SEVCA to operate the state’s emergency feeding program: “Vermont Everybody Eats”. SEVCA established and coordinated state-wide subcontractors who oversee restaurant engagement, meal production, and meal distribution. This program is a vital part of Vermont’s emergency feeding initiative, providing meals to t