The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics' (BLS) September 2022 Employment Situation Report showed the U.S. economy gained 263,000 jobs last month, growth that was "widespread" across industries and demographics, according to Secretary of Labor Marty Walsh.
The DOL released Walsh's official statement on the September jobs report on Oct. 7, the same day of the report's release. In his statement, Walsh noted the 3.5 percent unemployment rate is a 50-year low and that healthcare jobs have "fully recovered" from losses caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
“September’s job gains were widespread," Walsh said, "with strong growth in healthcare professions, food and drinking establishments, and professional and business services, as well as steady, continuing gains in manufacturing and construction."
Unemployment fell across all population demographics, the September report shows, Walsh said, especially for Hispanics; the Hispanic unemployment rate of 3.8 percent is "the lowest rate ever recorded."
Walsh stated workers have been "empowered" by the strong labor market to pursue better employment opportunities, including new jobs created by the Biden administration's investments in clean energy, infrastructure and manufacturing.
He said the "Good Jobs Initiative" promotes the DOL's work with employers and workers "to improve job quality and equity for all working people.
"We are committed to building on this worker-centered economic recovery to strengthen our nation’s workforce today and over the long term," he said.
"With 10 million jobs added since President Biden took office and an average of more than 370,000 per month over the last three months," Walsh said, "this economy continues to produce strong and steady job growth that benefits workers and their families."
