San Juan's Jobless Rate Grew in January

The number of people without jobs in San Juan Capistrano rose slightly in January to 8.1 percent from 7.9 percent in December, according to the latest reports from the state’s Employment Development Department.

The uptick is mirrored countywide, where the average unemployment rate was 9.2 percent in January, up from 9 percent in December, but below the year-ago estimate of 10 percent.

The county lost 21,300 jobs between December and January—much of the loss stemming from the termination of holiday retail jobs. However, workers in education and government were also hit hard, with 5,500 jobs lost.

While the leisure and hospitality industry lost 3,500 jobs since December—more than half was in accommodation and food services—between January 2010 and January 2011, it posted an increase of 5,900 jobs, mostly in food and drinking places.

California's unemployment rate is now 12.4 percent. In December, the state’s unemployment rate was 12.5 percent, and in January 2010, it was 12.3 percent. The unemployment rate is derived from a federal survey of 5,500 California households.

The U.S. unemployment rate decreased in January to 9 percent.