BOSTON — The Pittsfield metropolitan area had one of the biggest percentage gains in jobs over the past year, up 3.7 percent, as the state has continued to see a drop in unemployment rates.
The Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development on Tuesday reported that the November seasonally unadjusted unemployment rates were down over-the-month in 19 areas and up in three areas — Tisbury, Nantucket and Barnstable. Statewide, the November seasonally unadjusted unemployment rate was 6.4 percent, down from 6.8 percent in October. Over-the-year the statewide rate was down 1.7 percentage points from the 8.1 percent rate recorded for November 2010. All 22 labor area rates were down over the year.
In November, over-the-month job gains occurred in the Boston-Cambridge-Quincy, Brockton-Bridgewater-Easton, Worcester, Framingham, Springfield, Leominster-Fitchburg-Gardner, and New Bedford areas. Five areas posted job losses, including the Pittsfield, which shed 300 jobs.
Over-the-year, all 12 areas added jobs with the largest gains in the Boston-Cambridge-Quincy, Worcester, Framingham and Springfield areas. The largest percentage gains occurred in the Pittsfield, Worcester and Brockton-Bridgewater-Easton areas.
Pittsfield Metro
Total Employment
Over-the-year
Nov. 2010
35,600
8.2 %
1,300 job gain
Nov. 2011
36,900
6.6%
up 3.7 %
The statewide seasonally adjusted jobs estimate released on Dec. 15 showed a 5,000 over-the-month job gain. The seasonally adjusted statewide November unemployment rate dropped to 7 percent from the October rate of 7.3 percent, and was down 1.3 percentage points from the 8.3 percent rate recorded in November 2010. The national rate is 8.6 percent, down from 9.8 percent in November 2010.
The unadjusted unemployment rates and job estimates for the labor market areas reflect seasonal fluctuations and therefore may show different levels and trends than the statewide seasonally adjusted estimates.
The December 2011 unemployment rate, labor force data and jobs estimates for Massachusetts will be released on Jan. 19, 2012; local unemployment statistics will be released on Jan. 24, 2012. Detailed labor market information is available at www.mass.gov/lmi. See the revised February 2011 Media Advisory annual schedule for complete listing of release dates.
pittsfiedl total employment nov. 2010 35,600 nov. 2011 36,900 OTY 2010 1300 jobs for 3.7 percent
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Now this is moving forward. I bet they did it without taxing to the max plus three years in a row. And yes I bet John B. had something to do with it. He could do the same for north adams too.
It is always great to learn good news. However, the last paragraph is confusing to me. 36,900 jobs in a city with a population in the lower 40Ks? This number seems impossible to believe given the children, students, and retirees in Pittsfield, the latter of which is greater in Pittsfield than the state average. So, how is this number determined... on filing location or local address.
Additionally, is one job gain equal to one less person filing for unemployment?
Editor: This is the Pittsfield metropolitan area. I Agree (0) - I Disagree (0)
Pittsfield residents pay more in taxes than North Adams residents. Sorry Wayne.
What has helped Pittsfield is one good government contract at General Dynamics and Mayor Ruberto's embrace of the cultural scene. Allowing North Street to flourish with independent businesses allowed to pursue their own success rather than JB3's micromanaging style (did you know he had his girlfriend help pick sign colors for stores trying to get through the planning board.) created a great dynamic downtown.
However, nothing beats a couple hundred million in federal tax dollars plopped in the community to build missiles for the Navy (Stimulus, anyone?). Maybe Wayne should ask his Sailor buddy sitting next to him at the council meetings and see if he can get a defense contract for North Adams.
BOSTON — The Pittsfield metropolitan area had one of the biggest percentage gains in jobs over the past year, up 3.7 percent, as the state has continued to see a drop in unemployment rates. 
