The state’s unemployment rate rose slightly to 3.2 percent in September, as Wisconsin continues to make progress in regaining the jobs lost during the pandemic. That’s according to Department of Workforce Development Chief Economist Dennis Winters. Winters says Wisconsin has now regained 99 percent of the jobs lost during the pandemic economic slowdown after adding 7,000 total nonfarm jobs in September, but remains about 43,400 jobs short of the pre-pandemic peak. Meanwhile, the state added 14,400 private sector jobs over the month, driven in part by increases in durable goods manufacturing, health care and social assistance, and leisure and hospitality. Winters added total construction employment reached a new record of 133,600 after adding 600 jobs in September.
