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May 27, 2008


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NEWS

Unemployment Rates Dip Slightly in Tri-Counties; Up from Last Year

By Linda Bolton
linda@mckenziebanner.com

Unemployment rates in Carroll, Henry and Weakley counties dipped slightly in April, but were up from the same period last year, according to latest statistics released by the Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development.

Carroll County’s jobless rate for April was 7.3 percent, down from the March rate of 8.4 percent, but up from one year ago when the jobless rate was a low 5.5 percent. From a labor force of 13,710, a total of 12,710 were employed and 1,000 were unemployed. Last year, a total of 13,100 countians were working from a total labor force of 13,860, according to state figures.

“There was little movement in the employment sectors of Carroll County during the April reporting period,” said Judith Bradberry, labor market analyst for the state. “Construction showed some bit of increase,” she added.

The unemployment rate for Henry County was 7.0 percent for April, down from the March rate of 7.5 percent, but up from the April 2007 rate of 5.5 percent. From a labor force of 13,930, a total of 12,950 were employed, leaving 980 unemployed. One year ago, Henry County’s labor force was 14,010 and 13,240 were employed.

There were no significant changes in Henry County unemployment during the April 2008 reporting period, said Bradberry, however, some increase was noted in construction, professional business services, and seasonal increases in leisure/hospitality.

Weakley County’s jobless rate for April was 5.5 percent, down from the March rate of 6.4, but up from the April 2007 rate of 4.5 percent. From a labor force of 15,730, a total of 14,860 were employed and 870 were unemployed.

There were small increases in most of the service producing sectors in Weakley County, said Bradberry.

Tennessee’s unemployment rate for April was 5.4 percent, down 0.1 percentage point from the March revised rate of 5.5 percent. In 2007, the April unemployment rate was 4.5 percent. The national unemployment rate for April 2008 was 5.0 percent, down from the March national rate of 5.1 percent.

“Tennessee’s unemployment rate is following the national trends,” said Commissioner Neeley. “In the last month we’ve seen an increase in the leisure and hospitality industry, which is typical this time of year. From April 2007, we’ve seen considerable losses in manufacturing while experiencing some gains in educational and health services.”

March to April gains occurred in leisure and hospitality employment, increasing by 5,300; professional and business services employment increased 1,700; and jobs in construction, natural resources and mining increased 1,600. Month-to-month declines included local government educational services, down 1,300. Manufacturing lost 1,200 jobs, and retail trade lost 1,000 jobs.

From April 1007, educational and health services gained 8.700 jobs. Local government employment increased by 2,100; and accommodation and food service jobs were up 2,000. Manufacturing jobs were down from a year ago with employment decreasing by 10,700; financial activities employment lost 1,200 jobs.

According to the state report, employment rates decreased in 93 counties, increased in one county, and remained the same in one county.

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May 27, 2008