State Jobs Drop 2,200 In January

WETHERSFIELD (AP) — The state Labor Department reports that the number of jobs in Connecticut fell by 2,200 in January from December, but was up by 13,100 since the start of 2007.

Total employment in January was 1.7 million.

State labor economist John Tirinzonie said the numbers show a continued gain in employment during the second half of 2007, faster than in the United States.

However, he said it is too early to know if the job loss in January is temporary or if the effects of the national economic downturn are being felt in Connecticut.

The hardest hit industry was leisure and hospitality, which lost 1,800 jobs, followed by trade, transportation, and utilities, which were off by 1,400.

The number of jobs was up by 1,000 in government and by 800 in educational and health services.