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October 2026 | Volume 06

This monthly newsletter spotlights Labor programs that help connect employers and job seekers. You’ll find links to training and webinars and tips and information about employment services, unemployment insurance benefits and tax programs.

Program spotlight

Labor economists can help employers

Hiring, setting pay and planning for growth are easier with accurate information. The Idaho Department of Labor has a team of six labor economists stationed around the state who are available to assist employers and other stakeholders with economic data and analysis. In addition to being subject matter experts in labor market information, they have expertise and insight into the economic dynamics of their local communities. Through providing regular economic activity reports, covering job openings, business openings and closings, housing and other local news, they produce information employers can use. In a state where conditions in a rural county can look very different from those in the Boise metro area, those local views matter. Moreover, the economists provide free monthly webinars to the public, as well as presentations to businesses, community groups, media, government agencies and elected officials. If you're an employer who needs data, market perspectives, or an economist's contact information, visit the regional information section of lmi.idaho.gov.

Did you know?

The Idaho Human Rights Commission (IHRC) provides training for Idaho employers on anti-discrimination law, workplace best practices, reasonable accommodation, harassment and retaliation prevention as well as other emerging employment issues.

Trainings can be tailored to an organization’s needs and are available to businesses, public agencies and other organizations throughout Idaho. Contact IHRC to learn more about these opportunities or to schedule a training.

Events and dates: October

State agencies closed: Columbus Day Monday, Oct. 12 Offices will be closed Oct. 12 in observance of Columbus Day.

Labor economist webinar: Self-employment in Idaho Idaho Department of Labor Tuesday, Oct. 13 | 11 a.m. - noon MT Labor Economist Knox Freedman will be examining self-employment statistics and evaluating trends in Idaho. He will also analyze the impacts of self-employment on the broader labor market and economy, as well as its relationship to wages and labor supply.

Webinar: Managing your business financials Idaho Small Business Development Center (SBDC) Friday, Oct. 16 | 8:30 - 10 a.m. MT Learn to interpret business performance via the profit and loss statement, prepare annual budgets, and use budgets and profit and loss statements to access business performance and take actions to reach your goals.

Idaho Conference on Recreation and Tourism (ICORT) Idaho Commerce Oct. 19-20 | University of Idaho, Moscow ICORT is an opportunity to learn and network with other recreation and tourism professionals. The conference is held annually in October at different locations throughout the state.

Employer Webinar: Unemployment insurance Idaho Department of Labor Thursday, Oct. 22 | 10 - 11:30 a.m. MT This virtual workshop is designed to help employers better understand the unemployment insurance program, the process followed when employees file for unemployment benefits and how that affects the employer.

For further details about these events and others, visit the department's calendar of events.

More information

Idaho unemployment rate: August

Idaho’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate was unchanged between July and August, staying at 3.6%.

Research highlights: Idaho’s job market experiences rising demand, stubborn shortages and changing expectations

Idaho’s labor market has changed significantly over the past 10 years. For many years, Idaho employers were generally better at finding workers than other states. However, more recent job vacancy data, such as the time it takes to fill jobs, turnover rates and job postings, show that expectations have shifted. Employers now find it harder to fill open jobs, while workers have more opportunities.

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This email was sent from the Idaho Department of Labor on 317 W. Main St., Boise, ID, 83735, United States.

This Idaho Department of Labor project is funded by the U.S. Department of Labor for SFY26 from a compilation of grants (50.29%), other federal funds (25.22%) and state/non-federal funds (24.49%) totaling $69,153,135.07.

The Idaho Department of Labor is an equal opportunity employer and service provider. Reasonable accommodations are available upon request. Dial 711 for Idaho Relay Service.