(WBFF) — Maryland added 2,900 jobs in May, according to the latest data released Tuesday by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), despite continued substantial losses to Maryland’s federal workforce.
The private sector added 4,700 jobs during the month, driven by growth in industries such as health care and social assistance, administrative and support services, and hospitality.
However, these gains were partially offset by a net loss of 1,800 jobs in the public sector, primarily due to a loss of 3,200 jobs in the federal government.
State officials note that the May report does not yet account for the full extent of recent reductions in force (RIFs), administrative leave placements, or early retirements tied to federal “buyout” offers.
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The decline in federal employment reflects ongoing workforce reductions that have hit the state particularly hard. Maryland has the second-highest concentration of federal workers in the nation, trailing only Washington, D.C.
In response to the cuts, Maryland has ramped up support for affected workers.
The state’s Public Servants Resource webpage and the Maryland Department of Labor’s portal for federal workers and contractors offer access to unemployment benefits, career counseling, job center services, and emergency financial assistance through the newly launched Federal Worker Emergency Loan Program.
Maryland’s unemployment rate inched up to 3.2% in May, according to BLS estimates.
Among the sectors posting the most job growth last month were:
- Health Care and Social Assistance (+1,700)
- Administrative and Support and Waste Management (+1,100)
- Accommodation and Food Services (+900)
- Arts, Entertainment, and Recreation (+800)
- Wholesale Trade (+800)
Sectors experiencing the steepest losses included:
- Government (-1,800)
- Real Estate and Rental and Leasing (-500)
- Retail Trade (-500)
- Private Educational Services (-300)
- Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services (-300)