Contact: Donna Murray
(401) 462-8751
Nick Ucci
(401) 462-8429
Labor Market Information
October 6, 2005

The Rhode Island Department of Labor and Training's Labor Market Information Unit has released its Job Vacancy Survey (JVS) results from May-June 2005. Survey results indicate that an estimated 12,114 job vacancies existed throughout Rhode Island's private sector during the survey period. This translates to a job vacancy rate of 3.0 percent, or three job openings for every one hundred jobs filled. Most vacancies were permanent positions, with just 14 percent of estimated job openings listed as temporary or seasonal in nature. Sixty percent of the estimated openings were for full-time jobs.

The strongest demand for workers was measured in Health Care & Social Assistance - its 4.7 percent vacancy rate and 3,334 vacancies topped all industry sectors, accounting for nearly 28 percent of all estimated job openings in the Ocean State. The Accommodation & Food Services (4.2%) and Arts, Entertainment & Recreation (3.6%) sectors also reported above-average job vacancy rates due, in part, to Rhode Island's many hotels, restaurants, and recreational establishments increasing staff levels to meet summer demand.

Job vacancies in over 300 occupations were reported throughout the state. Of the occupations with the most estimated vacancies during the survey period, several were primarily concentrated in Health Care & Social Assistance industries, including Registered Nurses (962), Nursing Aides, Orderlies & Attendants (630), and Personal & Home Care Aides (539). Other occupations with a significant number of vacancies such as Waiters & Waitresses (374), Maids & Housekeeping Cleaners (339), and Restaurant Cooks (275) were tied to seasonal demands in the Accommodation & Food Services sector.

Job vacancy surveys provide a "snapshot" of private sector labor market demand, generating accurate, objective, and timely information on the quantity and quality of job openings through point-in-time measurements. More detailed Rhode Island Job Vacancy Survey results, including our complete 29-page report, are available on the LMI website at: www.dlt.ri.gov/lmi/jvs.htm.

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The Rhode Island Department of Labor and Training offers a wide array of employment and training services to both the general public and to individuals with unusual barriers to employment. DLT is ready to assist any job seeker, whether the goal is a first job, a better job, or a career change. Rhode Island's work force is protected through the enforcement of labor laws, prevailing wage rates, and work place health and safety standards. Temporary income support is available to unemployed, sick, or injured workers and a comprehensive rehabilitation program is available to those injured on the job.DLT is dedicated to the growth and competitiveness of Rhode Island industry, administering a variety of training grants, tax credits, and apprenticeship programs to help employers. Economic indicators and labor market information are available for long-range planning. The Agency engages in active outreach, helping large and small employers retain their best workers or retrain their existing work force. At no cost to the employer, DLT will also screen job applicants, post job vacancies, and help businesses institute cost-sharing programs that can avert layoffs.For more information on the innovative programs and services available to all Rhode Islanders at the Department of Labor and Training, please call (401) 462-8000 or visit our web site at www.dlt.ri.gov

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