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Economic growth, expanding apprenticeships, worker safety and more


As the economy added 266,000 jobs in April, Secretary Walsh highlighted how the administration is getting Americans back to work.

DOL Seal

U.S. Department of Labor

May 7, 2021

April 2021. 6.1% unemployment rate. +266,000 jobs

Economic recovery continues with 266,000 new jobs

The economy added 266,000 jobs in April, and the unemployment rate was little changed at 6.1%. Labor force participation was at its highest point since August 2020, and hesitancy about returning to work due to the coronavirus was at its lowest point since the pandemic began.

Secretary Walsh participates in a virtual roundtable with business and union leaders.

Secretary Walsh discusses apprenticeships and jobs training programs

Secretary Walsh and Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo joined federal, state and local officials at the General Dynamics Electric Boat site in Connecticut and participated in a virtual roundtable, discussing apprenticeships, jobs training programs and the American Jobs Plan.

Advisory Committee on Apprenticeship

Advisory Committee on Apprenticeship

Our Advisory Committee on Apprenticeship will focus on expanding apprenticeships in fast-growing industries like clean energy, technology and health care to create more high-quality training and employment opportunities.

Secretary Walsh and others stand in a Tennessee Job Corps Center. A sign on the wall reads: I don’t want nobody to give me nothing. Open up the door and I’ll get it myself. James Brown. Another reads: The Door Is Open: Job Corps!

Secretary Walsh and Second Gentleman Emhoff on strengthening the economy

With Second Gentleman Douglas Emhoff, Memphis Mayor Jim Strickland and Rep. Steve Cohen, Secretary Walsh toured a Tennessee Job Corps Center and discussed how the American Jobs Plan and American Families Plan will build a more inclusive economy and support families.

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT

A janitor waxes the floor.

Rule withdrawn

We have withdrawn the Independent Contractor Rule in order to maintain workers’ rights to the minimum wage and overtime compensation protections of the Fair Labor Standards Act.


A woman participates in a virtual workshop, taking notes while looking at her computer.

New courses for military spouses

We launched a new series of short, engaging virtual workshops to help military spouses with their job searches.


Two construction workers in safety gear construct a scaffold.

#StandDown4Safety

OSHA led the National Safety Stand Down to Prevent Falls in Construction this week to spread awareness of the dangers of falls and how to prevent them.


An unemployment insurance application form with a pen

UI guidance

We issued guidance to states to permit greater flexibility for waiving the recovery of some unemployment insurance overpayments.


A gavel in front of a bookshelf full of legal texts.

Safety finding

A federal judge found that a Florida behavioral health care center and its management company exposed workers to more than 50 attacks by residents and destroyed video evidence.


IN THE NEWS

UPCOMING EVENTS

Essential Workers – Essential Protections: Webinar for Union Members and Representatives
May 11, 10 a.m. ET

Mastering Resume Essentials
May 11, 10 a.m. ET

Navigating Compliance: FLSA for Logistics Industry Employers
May 11, 2 p.m. ET

What to Expect During a Compliance Review
May 12, 10 a.m. ET

HBCU Female Veterans – Tips and Opportunities for Success
May 13, 1 p.m. ET

Find a complete list of upcoming events at dol.gov/events.