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August 26, 2008


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NEWS

Unemployment Rates Climb Throughout Tri-Counties, State and Nation

By Linda Bolton
linda@mckenziebanner.com

Unemployment rates rose in Carroll, Henry, and Weakley counties during the July reporting period, according to latest statistics released by the Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development.

Carroll County’s July jobless rate was 9.5 percent, up from the June rate of 9.0 percent, because of a decline in manufacturing, according to Judith Bradberry, state labor market analyst. From a labor force of 13,900 in July, a total of 12,580 were employed, leaving 1,320 without jobs. A total of 1,260 Carroll Countians were without jobs in June.

Henry County’s July unemployment rate was 9.2 percent, up from the June rate of 8.7, because of a slight decline in trade, transportation, and utilities and leisure/hospitality. From a labor force of 14,010 in Henry County, 12,730 were employed and 1,280 were unemployed. For the same time last month, 1,190 were unemployed in that county.

Weakley County’s jobless rate for July was 11.7 percent, up from the June rate of 9.1 percent. Continued seasonal declines in manufacturing and professional/business services contributed to the sharp increase there. From a labor force of 15,840, a total of 13,990 were employed, leaving 1,850 unemployed. A total of 1,410 were without jobs in that county in June.

Tennessee’s unemployment rate climbed to its highest point since May 1987. The state’s unemployment rate for July was 6.9 percent, up 0.4 percentage point from the June rate of 6.5. Last year, in 2007, the July unemployment rate was 4.6 percent. The national unemployment rate for July 2008 was 5.7 percent, up from the June rate of 5.5 percent.

“Compared to last year, Tennessee continues to see job losses in manufacturing, professional/business services and financial activities employment,” said Commissioner of Labor and Workforce Development James Neeley. “At the same time we are experiencing year-to-year gains in educational and health services employment and in local government educational services.”

From July 2007, educational and health services gained 6,500 jobs. Local government educational services employment increased by 2,900; and employment in general merchandise stores was up 1,700. Manufacturing jobs were down from a year ago with employment decreasing by 9,100; professional and business services employment lost 5,100 jobs and financial activities employment was down 3,400 jobs.

June-to-July gains occurred in clothing and clothing accessories stores employment, increasing by 500; jobs in hospitals increased 300; and printing and related support activities employment increased by 200 jobs. Month-to-month declines included local and state government educational services with seasonal losses totaling 5,300. Manufacturing was down 3,600 jobs.

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August 26, 2008