With employers looking for employees, Montana looks for answers

A new job report shows over 100,000 Montanans not working despite tight labor market.

Out of 100,000 Montanans not working, about 10,400 are not looking for a job, and the state’s looking for answers as to why, a new study says.

Earlier this month, the state released its “Montanans for Hire?” study from the Montana Department of Labor and Industries. The agency said it is using “analytics and survey data” to pursue additional research on the issue.

“Engaging the non-working population in the labor force may be a key component to address the state’s persistent workforce shortage,” the study reads.

About 100,000 Montanans from the ages of 16 to 54 are not working, with the report putting the total number of people aged 16 years or older and not working at 350,000. There are 560,000 Monta