Despite a statewide increase in employment, Connecticut sales jobs may not be able to provide the greatest amount of security for the time being.

With the stability of the national economy questionable at the moment, many are holding on to their hard earned cash with a tighter fist. Because of this, retailers aren’t finding it necessary to employ as many salespeople as they have in previous years.

Nevertheless, the industry is not suffering as badly as it was several months prior. State labor economist John Tirinzonie believes the fact that many residents have begun to receive their federal rebate checks might have “played a part” in boosting the troubled retail industry.

At this time there are no statistics to support or disprove this theory. If Tirinzonie is correct, then there may be a small increase in sales jobs in Connecticut as shoppers begin to tentatively test the waters of consumerism again. Still, he is not overly hopeful, saying that, “We should be cautious that high energy costs are taxing a frail economy, and that could translate into bad news over the next several months.” The retail industry is usually the first to take such a hit.

Overall, Connecticut employment grew by 2,900 jobs in May, according to a recent report released by the state Department of Labor. This means that total non-agricultural employment was at 1,701,800. This increase came after four consecutive months of employers shedding jobs and brings the total damage down to 4,700 positions lost this year from 7,600 in April.

The industries that added the most jobs were trade, transportation and utilities, education and health services, and business and professional services.

Despite the increase in the number of jobs in Connecticut, the unemployment rate jumped from April’s 4.7 percent to 5.4 percent in May, which is just below the national average.