Louisiana added another 12,700 jobs from June to July and ended the month up 58,200 jobs year-to-year. Louisiana Workforce Commission spokesperson Chris Fiore said we are moving in the right direction despite the 4th COVID wave, but the only way to keep this momentum going is by getting more people vaccinated.
“What we need is a healthy workforce and with the 4th COVID wave upon us the best way we can guarantee a healthy workforce is to make sure people are vaccinated and wearing those masks,” said Fiore.
New Orleans and Baton Rouge led the pack in new month-to-month job gains at 3,700 and 3,00 respectively. Shreveport and Houma were the only markets to see month-to-month job losses.
Fiore said the biggest sector gains were in leisure and hospitality and education and health services at 27,000 and 13,000 more jobs year to year respectively. Despite those gains, there’s still a serious shortage of healthcare workers and hospitals are hurting as a result.
“Right now there are more than 7,000 nursing positions available on our website, and organizations throughout the state are offering some big incentives to get nurses hired,” said Fiore.
Business services gained 12,000 jobs over the year.
Fiore said if you are unemployed there are more than 50,000 jobs available at their website, and programs available to help you get certified for a position you may want but are not yet qualified for.
Comments