San Diego County Unemployment Rises

The unemployment rate in San Diego County was 4.9 percent last month, up from 4.8 percent the previous month, but lower than the 6.1 percent recorded at the same time last year, the state Employment Development Department reported today.

San Diego’s figure compares to 6.2 percent for the state as a whole, and 5.3 percent nationwide.

Almost 3,000 more San Diegans were unemployed in May compared to April, while the civilian labor force of around 1.56 million people expanded by nearly 14,000, according to EDD data. Around 77,300 San Diegans were unemployed last month.

Over the past month, the accommodations and food services sector gained 3,600 jobs, while construction added 2,000 positions. Financial activities lost 1,000 jobs.

Since May 2014, more than 42,000 jobs have been added in the region, led by professional, scientific and technical services, leisure and hospitality, and educational and health services.

--City News Service; Shutterstock Image