SALEM, Ore. — Oregon employers had 5,300 fewer workers in September, the first decline in employment in 36 months.
The Oregon Employment Department said Tuesday that the loss of more than 5,000 jobs in a single month is rare over the past six years.
Oregon’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate was 6.2 percent, essentially unchanged from 6.1 percent in August. The jobless rate is still improved from 6.9 percent a year ago.
Several sectors saw steep declines: construction; retail, professional and business services; and leisure and hospitality.
A state employment economist says it’s too early to tell if the job losses are just a blip in Oregon’s economic recovery or a sign of slower growth.
