On Wednesday, January 27, 2016, the Connecticut Department of Labor (CT DOL) – Office of Research released their monthly Business and Employment Changes Announced in the Media report. For the reporting month of January, 1,066 jobs will be created while 1,141 jobs will be lost.

Unlike last month’s reported number of 2,543 job gains with zero jobs lost, this month’s CT DOL report is disappointing. Connecticut just can’t seem to steadily gain enough new jobs over a longer time period, which would show an upward job growth trend.

As for Startups and Expansions in the New Year, the companies projected to add jobs to the Connecticut economy: Electric Boat with 840 jobs in Groton; Comcast with 200 jobs, statewide; and Future Health Care Systems with 26 jobs in Bridgeport.

As for Layoff and Staff Reductions in the New Year, five companies reported plans to close business or relocate. This news offsets the job growth figures for this same timeframe. General Electric in Fairfield is relocating to Boston over the next three years, which can possibly impact up to 800 employees. Macy’s is closing its Enfield store and is laying off 104 employees. Walmart is closing its West Hartford store and is laying off 100 employees. Westrock in Montville is closing its paper mill and is laying off 87 employees. Acosta Sales and Marketing in Norwalk is laying off 50 employees.

Article by Alicia Sakal. Written for Examiner.

Photo by Jeff Turner, Flickr.com