Labor Force Trends

Between 2000 and 2008, Hampden County experienced labor force increases of 11,393 workers, representing a relative increase of 5.4 percent. The increase in the labor force is attributable mostly to an increase of the immigrant population and a small amount of population growth. The labor force actually peaked in 2007 with a labor force of 224,483 but in 2008 this number decreased to 223,459, a net decrease 0f 1024 participants. There was also 2476 jobs lost between 2007 and 2008, a decrease of -1.18 %. Immigration will continue to drive population growth in Hampden County which has been flat over the past decade in Massachusetts.

Labor Force and Unemployment

§  Between the fourth quarters of 2006 and 2007, the seasonally unadjusted unemployment rate in Hampden County decreased from 5.3% to 4.9%. A total of 10,826 Hampden County residents were unemployed in fourth quarter 2007.

§  During this same period, the seasonally unadjusted unemployment rate in Massachusetts decreased from 4.3% to 3.9%, representing 133,467 unemployed residents statewide.

§  The number of employed persons in Hampden County decreased by -2,371 (-1.1%) to a 2007 fourth quarter level of 210,986. Between the fourth quarters of 2006 and 2007, the number of employed persons in Massachusetts decreased by -6,700 (-0.2%).

§  Massachusetts and all but two Workforce Areas experienced declines in the labor force over the last year. During the period under review, the Massachusetts labor force decreased by -21,933 (-0.6%), while Hampden County’s labor force decreased by -3,495 residents (-1.6%).

Job Opportunities

The high cost of energy, the housing slump, tightening credit; along with continual job losses in construction and manufacturing are major contributors to this downturn. With a 63.5% labor participation rate, labor force growth rates will continue to be a concern as more “baby boomers” are entering retirement. Increasing opportunities in healthcare, professional and technical business services, social services, education, and precision machining employment can provide “living wage” jobs in Hampden County. The requirements, however, are much steeper than with previous employment in manufacturing with an associate’s degree or some level of post secondary training required as a minimum.

Concentrated workforce development training and educational initiatives throughout Hampden County are underway to prepare individuals to participate in the labor force.