Jobs in Rhode Island

Finding jobs in Rhode Island recently is proving to be tricky for many residents. As of September, 8.8 percent of workers in the state were unemployed, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. This means that Rhode Island had the highest percentage of joblessness in the country. During the same month, the national average for unemployment was 6.1 percent.

According to Business Week, employers have cut Rhode Island jobs by 12,600 positions since September of last year. The industry to experience the largest decline was the manufacturing sector, which the Associated Press estimates constitute a quarter of the jobs lost. Other sectors that reported losing a lot of positions included retail, financial, government and the business service industry.

One industry that has seemed to be relatively recession proof throughout the country is the healthcare sector. Despite this, Providence Business News recently reported that Blue Cross & Blue Shield will be cutting out 74 of the Rhode Island jobs it provides. Of these positions, 41 will come through layoffs, while the rest will simply happen by not hiring new employees for positions that are currently vacant.

Company spokesperson Christopher J. Medici told the news paper that the insurer employs around 1,160 people state wide, if one excludes the positions that will soon be given the ax. He went on to say that the jobs in Rhode Island that the company is doing away with will take place throughout the business’ organizational structure from management to “rank-and-file employees.”

In a recent statement, the company’s President and CEO James E. Purcell said that he was greatly sadden by having t do away with these jobs in Rhode Island, but that there was little choice.

“In light of the current economic conditions, and as part of the company’s ongoing efforts to provide Rhode Islanders with access to high-quality and affordable health insurance, it was necessary for us to reduce our operating expenses,” said Purcell.

He also assured that those who will be losing their jobs will be given “enhanced assistance” from Blue Cross & Blue Shield.

He finished by saying that “Despite these operational changes, BCBSRI continues to employ more than 1,000 local employees who will continue to provide superb service to all who depend on us, including members, customers and stakeholders.”