Five of the ten major industry supersectors gained employment in April, while four declined and the Information supersector remained unchanged. Professional and Business Services led gainers with an increase of 1,600 jobs (0.7%, 218,700 total jobs). The Trade, Transportation & Utilities (0.2%, 295,600) was next with a gain of 700 jobs despite continued losses in the retail component. The Educational and Health Services (0.2%, 338,200) supersector picked up 600 jobs while Leisure and Hospitality grew by 400 (0.2%, 160,700). Finally, the Other Services supersector added 100 positions (0.2%, 64,400).

Once again, the Construction and Mining supersector led declines, dropping 2,300 jobs (-3.7%, 60,500). The cold wet spring may be a factor, delaying the start of the traditional construction season. Manufacturing was next, losing 500 positions (-0.3%, 160,800). Lastly, Financial Activities saw a small decline of 100 jobs (-0.1%, 127,000).

Connecticut has now recovered 81.9% (98,500 jobs) of the 120,300 seasonally adjusted jobs lost in the "Great Recession" (3/08-1/10). The job recovery is into its 111th month and the state needs an additional 21,800 net new jobs to reach an overall nonfarm employment expansion. The state's Private Sector fully recovered at 101.2% (113,300) of the 112,000 private sector jobs lost in that same employment downturn.