Career Counseling

By NH.gov

CONCORD, NH: According to U.S. Department of Labor, New Hampshire outpaced nearly every other state in the nation in job growth over the last year, confirming independent economists' predictions that New Hampshire would lead the nation in economic recovery.

According to preliminary figures from the Department of Labor's Bureau of Labor Statistics, New Hampshire had the second-fastest rate of job growth in the nation from June 2009 through June 2010. While nationally, the number of jobs fell by an average of .1 percent, New Hampshire saw growth of 1.43 percent, or more than 8,900 jobs created over the last year.

"Maintaining New Hampshire's business friendly atmosphere so that companies can be successful, grow and get people back to work has been my top priority. News that New Hampshire has the second-highest rate of job growth in the nation is consistent with the sense of increased optimism I'm hearing from business leaders across the state, and the reports of independent analysts who say New Hampshire's economy is leading the region as we emerge from this national recession," Governor Lynch said.

New Hampshire's unemployment rate for June dropped to 5.9 percent - nearly 40 percent below the national average.

"This is certainly good news for New Hampshire, but our work is not done, and I remain committed to helping ensure companies can continue to grow and create jobs. There are still a number of men and women are still looking for employment, and I will continue working make sure that every person who wants a job is able to find one."

Governor Lynch has implemented a number of initiatives to help New Hampshire businesses grow and put people back to work. New Hampshire Working, passed this spring, is making it easier for companies to train and hire unemployed workers, as well as to avoid layoffs, and the Green Jobs Launching Pad is helping new companies grow.

Governor Lynch reinstituted the Job Training Fund, which has helped train more than 7,000 workers from across New Hampshire in the skills needed for today's economy. In addition to keeping New Hampshire's state taxes among the lowest in the nation, Governor Lynch instituted a research-and-development tax credit to encourage companies to invest in innovation and new jobs in New Hampshire.