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The federal Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that joblessness in Bangor rose from 3.1% in September to 3.3% in October. Lewiston-Auburn's unemployment rate rose the most: from 3.3% to 3.6%. Portland-South Portland's increase was the smallest: 2.8% in September to 2.9% in October.
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Federal figures show little change in metro-area unemployment rates in March
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The September declines were part of a nationwide trend. The Federal Labor Bureau says only three of of 386 metro areas failed to see unemployment declines in September.
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That's according to the results of a survey released by the Maine Department of Labor on Thursday. More than a third of respondents said few job opportunities were available that matched their skillset. Childcare, transportation, and low wages and benefits were also found to be significant barriers.
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The expiring benefits included an unemployment compensation program for freelancers and contractors, and an additional $300 cash payment in each unemployment check.
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The state labor department says Maine actually produced 1,200 more jobs last month, but the number of people who set out looking for work was higher, so the jobless rate rose.
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Labor advocates say a newly signed law will bring about some of the most meaningful changes to the state's unemployment system in decades.
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Lawmakers and advocates are supporting a new bill to reform the state's unemployment system, which was plagued with delays and technical errors after being overwhelmed with hundreds of thousands of claims during the pandemic.
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First-time claims for state unemployment benefits fell last week, but not as sharply as the figures nationally.
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Unemployment rates declined in Maine's three federally recognized metropolitan areas in February.