CHARLESTON, W.Va . (WVVA) – A recent report showing a declining job market in the mountain state is causing concern with the West Virginia Chamber of Commerce.
The July 2025 jobs report from WorkForce West Virginia states that in one month the civilian workforce lost 7,600 people and 4,400 jobs were eliminated.
The West Virginia Chamber of Commerce reports:
Mining employment declined from 21,300 to 20,700Manufacturing dipped slightly from 45,600 to 45,400Hospitality saw a sharp drop from 71,400 to 68,700Retail employment decreased from 78,400 to 77,800
“These numbers are troubling,” Steve Roberts, President of the West Virginia Chamber of Commerce, said. “We’re seeing consistent signs of economic softening across several core industries. When the workforce is shrinking and job losses are sustained over time, we must treat it as a warning sign, and we must respond with urgency.”
This is the 14th straight month of decline as neighboring states report growth and expansion. Roberts says initiative must be taken to turn these numbers around.
“West Virginia has the talent, the potential, and the commitment from the business community,” Roberts said. “But we need a unified, forward-looking strategy to turn these numbers around.”
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