The U.S. Bureau of Labor recently released labor statistics that continue a trend of rising unemployment in The First State in 2025.
Delaware’s seasonally adjusted unemployment data for September–the issuance of which was delayed by the federal government shutdown–showed a rate of 4.5%, up from 4.3% in August. It is reportedly the state’s highest unemployment rate in more than three and a half years.
The state rate was also slightly above the national rate of 4.4% for the month.
Delaware’s unemployment rate has risen steadily since September 2024, when it was 3.6%. This September, there were 23,066 unemployed people seeking work, up from 18,449 one year earlier, an increase of 4,617.
House Republican Leaders, State Reps. Tim Dukes and Jeff Spiegelman, stated in reaction to the disappointing data:
“The General Assembly will not resume work until next month. The Meyer administration and the Democratic leaders who control the legislature should use that time to reflect.
“Our state once had a well-deserved reputation for being business-friendly. Over the last 15 years, that standing has been steadily eroded. Too many legislators have treated business owners with contempt, viewing them not as job-creating assets and economic partners, but as uncaring cash cows with bottomless pockets.
“State decision-makers have repeatedly enacted new laws and imposed stricter regulations, resulting in higher private sector operating costs. Recently, the governor signed a bill into law that eliminated a state tax benefit for businesses purchasing new equipment and conducting research and development. Just before that, he signed another bill to allow companies to be charged higher property tax rates than residential properties.
“In December 2019, the Delaware Business Roundtable and its partners launched ‘Ready in Six,’ noting that businesses seeking to locate or expand in Delaware faced a delay of up to 24 months to obtain all necessary permits–much longer than many competing states. The initiative was intended to cut red tape, streamline the process, and reduce the delay to six months. Six years later, we’re still not close to meeting that goal.
“We may not be able to impact the national and international economies, but we can take steps to improve our situation. Delaware needs a course correction, working with business leaders to foster a climate that gives them the confidence they need to invest here and hire Delawareans.”
