SERVICES

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(70 - 89)

Employment change from last quarter	- 0.1
Employment change from year ago	+ 3.6
Wage change from year ago	+12.9

QUARTERLY

Employment in the Services industry fell 0.1%, losing 539 employees. Sector activity was varied. Business Services (73) generated the largest sector gain up 3977 employees. Computer services, which covers internet and software development and design, was the largest contributor to the sector adding 2859 employees. In the past the supply of temporary help had been the strongest subsector but is now second adding 1279. Engineering Services (87) reported a gain of 1858 employees. This classification covers a wide range of services including engineering, architectural, accounting, management, consulting and public relations. Seasonal operations for a project outside the US added 360 and the opening of two private jails added almost 400. The largest declining sectors were Hotels & Lodging (70) down 5184 and Amusement & Recreation (79) down 2344. Both losses were typical for this quarter resulting from cutbacks following the end of the summer tourist season. Losses also occurred in Membership Organizations (86) down 735. Losses were seasonal due to the cessation of summer recreation programs, and layoffs of outdoor maintenance and pool staff hired by tenant associations.

ANNUAL

Annually, growth in the Services industry comprised 28% of total new employment in Colorado making it the most productive industry in the state. Since fourth quarter a year ago Services added 20,651 employees and is up 3.6%. Expansions in Business Services (73) employment propelled the industry to its great height adding 10,049. Growth was predominated by establishments engaged in providing computer services and telemarketing. Engineering Services (87) added the next largest count of employees up 3446. Increased demand for engineering services and business consulting generated most of the new employment in this sector. Hotels & Lodging (70) added 1056 since last year. About one half of the employment increase occurred in Metro Denver with over 200 added to both Arapahoe and Denver counties. Balance of State gains were notable in Pitkin and Eagle counties. Health Services (80) was the only sector to report annual losses dropping by 61. Home health care employment, dominated by firm closures, slipped by almost 1000. Nursing care facilities lost about 600 employees. Losses were offset by expansions in offices of doctors, which added 990.

Colorado Employment and Wages (ES202) Fourth Quarter 1998