State Finishes 2005 With 14,300 More Jobs

WETHERSFIELD (AP) — The state lost 400 jobs in December, but finished 2005 with an overall gain of 14,300, the state Department of Labor reported Monday.

The unemployment rate in December was 4.8 percent, a drop from 5.1 percent the previous month. Employment was 1.67 million in December.

Governor M. Jodi Rell said the state’s economy continues to grow. “However, the drop in net jobs in December underscores the fragility of our economy and the fact that we cannot let up in our push to grow this economy by attracting new employers and working as closely as possible with those who are providing jobs to our citizens.”

In December, government jobs grew the most, up 400. Leisure and hospitality gained 200 jobs. The steepest losses were in trade, transportation and utilities, down 1,700.