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Unemployment Rate Tops 10%
Scott CountyÕs unemployment rate jumped 1.2% in the May to June reporting periods, according to figures released late last week by the Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development.
The jobless rate for the month of June was 10.6%, up from 9.4% in May.
That percentage is based on an estimated local workforce of 8,870, with 7,930 being gainfully employed during the month and 940 out of work.
Counties surrounding Scott also experienced higher unemployment during this reporting period. Morgan County reported 9.0%, up from MayÕs rate of 7.6%. Pickett County saw a eight-tenths of a percentage point jump to 4.9%. Fentress CountyÕs jobless rate increased 1.2%, to 8.6%. Campbell County experienced a four-tenths of a percentage point hike to 5.9%. Anderson CountyÕs rate was up from 3.7% in May to 4.4% in June.
County unemployment rates showed that 94 had increased unemployment, while one decreased. Moore County, at 2.6%, up from 1.7% over the month, registered the stateÕs lowest county unemployment rate. Lawrence County, at 13.9%, up from 8.3%, reported the stateÕs highest jobless rate.
Knox County, at 3.1%, up from 2.6% in May, registered the lowest metropolitan county unemployment rate. Hamilton County registered 4.0%, up from 3.3%. Davidson County was at 4.3%, up from 3.6%, while Shelby County registered 6.4%, up from 5.1% over the month.
Statewide the June unemployment rate was 5.3%, up from a seasonally adjusted May rate of 5.2%, according to Commissioner of Labor and Workforce Development James Neeley. The state rate remains below the June national rate of 6.4%.
ÒTennesseeÕs unemployment rate is following the seasonal rise the nation has experienced for the month of June,Ó said Commissioner Neeley. ÒAlthough we continue to remain well below the national unemployment rate, Tennessee has experienced seasonal job losses in local and state government jobs and education employment. Unfortunately, over the year we continue to see losses in the manufacturing industry. It is encouraging, however, to see year-to-year increases in high demand occupations like education and health services.
May-to-June figures show seasonal employment increases in leisure and hospitality jobs, up by 5,700. Construction jobs increased by 2,500. Professional and business service jobs also increased by 2,000. Seasonal decreases took place in state and local government educational services with job losses totaling 16,700.
From June 2002 to June 2003, education and health services increased by 11,600. There were also increases in the administrative/support/waste management jobs, up by 5,000. Decreases took place in manufacturing, down by 15,100. Construction jobs decreased as well, by 4,600; and trade, transportation and utilities declined by 3,800.
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