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July 1, 2008


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NEWS

Unemployment Climbs Locally, Statewide in May

By Linda Bolton
linda@mckenziebanner.com

The number of unemployed individuals in Carroll, Henry and Weakley counties increased 340 for a total of 3,190 in May, up from 2,850 in April, according to latest statistics from the Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development.

Carroll County’s May unemployment rate was 7.9 percent, up from the April rate of 7.4 percent. According to Judith Bradberry, labor market analyst for the state, seasonal declines were observed in professional and business services.

From a labor force of 13,720, 12,640 were employed, leaving 1,080 unemployed in May. A total of 1,000 persons were unemployed in April.

Henry County’s unemployment rate for May was 7.7 percent, up from the April rate of 7.0 percent. There were no significant changes in that county, according to Mrs. Bradberry.

From an available work force of 13,940, a total of 12,860 were employed, leaving 1,080 without jobs. In April, 980 persons were unemployed in that county.

In Weakley County, the jobless rate for May was 6.6 percent, up from the April rate of 5.5 percent. The jobless increase is attributed to season decreases in manufacturing and professional/business service sectors.

From a labor force of 15,560, a total of 14,520 were employed, leaving 1,030 unemployed. A total of 870 persons were unemployed in April in that county.

The number of unemployed people in Tennessee jumped by 30,800 in May, a 19 percent increase from the previous month. The state’s unemployment rate jumped from 5.5 percent in April to 6.4 percent in May, nearly a full percentage point above the national rate.

“The Tennessee unemployment picture is parallel to what’s happening across the nation by increasing significantly in April,” said Commissioner James Neeley. “I don’t believe this is cause for concern; the monthly data is a preliminary estimate of what is happening in the labor market. Similar to the national date, the household survey has indicated the large increase while other major inputs, like the business survey and unemployment insurance claims did not change as significantly.”

Statewide, April to May gains occurred in leisure and hospitality employment, increasing by 3,600; jobs in construction, natural resources and mining increased by 1,900. Month-to-month declines included professional, scientific and technical services, down 2,700. State government educational services lost 1,700 jobs, and durable goods manufacturing was down 1,300 jobs.

From May 2007, educational and health services gained 7,900 jobs. Local government educational services employment increased by 1,900; and accommodation and food service jobs were up by 1,600. Manufacturing jobs were down from a year ago with employment decreasing by 8,500; financial activities employment lost 2,400 jobs and administrative, support and waste services employment was down 2,100 jobs.

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July 1, 2008