One year after pandemic low point, Louisiana has created 127,400 jobs, officials say

Louisiana had an estimated 1,837,000 residents working in non-farm jobs in April, according to preliminary data adjusted for seasonal workforce trends that the US Bureau of Labor Statistics released on Friday.

Louisiana Workforce Commission mentionned data shows the state has added about 127,400 jobs since the pandemic low point of April 2020. The unemployment rate has fallen from 13.1% to 7.4% during that time, according to the LWC.

The leisure and hospitality industry has created around 62,400 jobs over the past year, more than any other industry, the LWC said.

The state is expected to create nearly 71,000 jobs over the next four quarters, according to Gary Wagner, business economist at UL-Lafayette who compiles a quarterly report on the economic outlook. About 45% of job losses linked to COVID-19 have been recovered, according to his last report.

Insurance commissioner: consumer hurricane complaints bring in $ 41 million

The Louisiana Department of Insurance has received 1,497 complaints about the three hurricanes that hit the state last year and has recovered more than $ 41 million on behalf of those consumers as of April 30, Insurance Commissioner Jim said. Donelon. mentionned.

Hurricane Laura accounted for $ 37.8 million of that total. Consumers have accused insurers of delaying payment of valid claims and of not paying enough to satisfy their claims.

About 77% of complaints relate to owner policies. State Farm has racked up the most owner complaints at 275, although the company has a lower than average “complaint index” after its large market share is factored in, according to the Insurance Department.

New Airline Launches $ 6.6M Operations Center and 261 Jobs at New Orleans Airport

Breeze airways, a newly launched airline, plans to establish a base of operations at Louis Armstrong International Airport in New Orleans, government and company officials announced on Friday.

The company plans to invest $ 6.6 million and employ 261 people with an average salary of $ 65,000 plus benefits.

Breeze provides direct flights between New Orleans and Charleston, South Carolina; Louisville, Kentucky; Bentonville / Fayetteville, Arkansas; Norfolk and Richmond, Virginia; Oklahoma City and Tulsa, Oklahoma; Akron / Canton and Columbus, Ohio; and Huntsville, Alabama. The airline will launch its first flights to Charleston starting July 8, with further connections launching July 15 and 16, officials said.