Rhode Island’s unemployment rate fell from 4.8% to 4.2% in January as the state steadily recovers from the Covid-19 pandemic.

Polaris MEP’s Center Director, Kathie Mahoney, weighs in on what this means for Rhode Island manufactueres: “Similar to all industries, manufacturing is experiencing retirements and difficulty finding skilled workers. The state’s programs and collaboration among organizations that support manufacturing are critical to the success of these initiatives.”

While the overall arc is positive, since December Rhode Island has seen erosion in the size of the labor force.

Read more about how the unempoyment rate and labor shortage will impact Rhode Island manufacturers.