Branford Unemployment Dips Slightly to 7.9 Percent

Branford's unemployment rate dipped slightly over the last month, moving back down under 8.0 percent after July's almost full percentage-point jump up.

According to the latest figures released by the Connecticut Department of Labor, Branford's unemployment rate for August was 7.9 percent.

In July, the town's unemployment rate sat at 8.1 — it's highest level of the year so far.

Additionally, the department's figures also showed the labor force in Branford reduced a bit over the same period: from 15,617 in July to 15,399 in August.

State, National Unemployment Rate

In Connecticut, the pool of jobless people last month held steady to 9.2 percent overall. Nationally, the United State's unemployment rate is 8.2 percent.

The state's August unemployment report for all towns is posted in the gallery that accompanies this article.

Branford Numbers

Branford's lowest unemployment rate of the year so far was 6.5 percent in April. It rose to 6.9 percent in May, was 7.3 in June — and the town began the year with an unemployment rate of 7.3 percent in January.

In 2011 Branford's annual average unemployment rate was 7.7 percent. In 2010 it was 8.1 percent.

The town's highest reported unemployment rate over the last two years was in July 2010, when 8.5 percent of Branford was out of work. It's lowest came in December 2011 at 6.4 percent.