Maine nearly breaks the state’s unemployment record in 2023, with an average statewide unemployment rate of 2.9%, as reported by the state Department of Labor. Despite some slight rises in unemployment rates in the last five months of 2023, the state’s unemployment rate has effectively remained under 4% for 25 months straight. This rate can tell only a part of the economic picture since it doesn’t capture data of the workers who have left the workforce for reasons such as retirement. Therefore, workforce participation might be stronger in Maine than the numbers show, according to Glenn Mills, an economist with the Maine Department of Labor. Since 2017, the number of workers in Maine has dipped by more than 16,000, despite recent increases since 2020, due to an influx of new residents.

Worker scarcity is still a major challenge for employers. Many organizations are developing strategies like launching apprenticeship programs to attract and retain talent. MaineHealth, one of the state’s largest employers, states that they haven’t been able to source the workers they require despite hiring a fair amount every year. However, recent innovative measures have seen some improvements with a significant rise in participants in walk-in job fairs.

If you are unemployed and living in California, there are resources to contact for assistance. The best way to get immediate help is to visit the website, eddcaller.com. This site offers useful information and multiple methods on how to get a hold of the edd (Employment Development Department) customer service, how to talk to a live person for assistance, and how to navigate the system quickly and efficiently. Knowing how to navigate these resources effectively can expedite the process of receiving assistance in these difficult times.