Statement of US Labor Secretary Perez on September employment numbers

WASHINGTON – U.S. Secretary of Labor Thomas E. Perez issued the following statement about the September 2016 Employment Situation report released today:

“The American economy in September again continued its strong recovery from the greatest economic crisis of our lifetimes, adding 156,000 jobs. All told, the private sector has added 15.3 million jobs since February 2010; this month’s report continued the longest streak of overall job growth on record.

“This month’s report shows more people getting back to work and finding jobs. As more people moved into the labor force, the unemployment rate ticked up slightly to 5.0 percent. The labor force participation rate in September rose to 62.9 percent. Over the last 12 months, more than three million more people have entered the workforce.  

“Other measures affirm the strength of the economy. Consumer confidence is now at the highest level we’ve seen during the recovery. Initial unemployment insurance claims remained near historic lows in September. For 83 consecutive weeks, these initial claims have remained under 300,000 – a streak we’ve not seen since 1970.

“Though I am encouraged by our continued progress, we have more work to do to ensure that everyone gets a chance to share in this recovery. Sensible policy recommendations such as expanding access to paid leave and raising the minimum wage are critical to sustained and shared economic growth. With just over 100 days left in this administration, we remain as committed as ever to building an economy that works for everyone.”