Indiana saw 1.5 percent decrease in joblessness in 2015

INDIANAPOLIS (AP/WISH) – Indiana’s unemployment rate held steady at 4.4 percent in December, indicating that the state saw a 1.5 percent decrease in joblessness during 2015.

The state Department of Workforce Development said Tuesday that the Indiana labor force gained nearly 38,000 individuals last year and 10,000 individuals in December. The state has added more than 109,000 workers since January 2013.

Workforce Development Commissioner Steven Braun says the state’s unemployment rate is at its lowest level in more than a decade. He says claims for unemployment insurance are at their lowest since 1998.

Gov. Pence released a statement regarding the employment report. He said:

“After closing out a year of record economic development and private sector employment in Indiana, I welcome the news that our unemployment rate remains at its lowest point in more than a decade. The fact that more Hoosiers are working than ever before is worth celebrating, but I remain confident that we can build an Indiana ever more prosperous in the months and years ahead. Hoosiers can rest assured that this administration will continue to pursue the kinds of policies that have made record economic development and employment the hallmarks of our economy.”

Indiana’s unemployment rate has been less than 5 percent since June.