S.C. Unemployment Drops in November

The state experienced an unprecedented decrease in unemployment in November dropping from a seasonally adjusted rate of 10.5 percent in October to 9.9 percent in November.

Strong job growth combined with fewer job-seekers fueled the decline according to a statement from the S.C. Department of Employment and Workforce. The .6 percent decrease is the largest monthly drop since the Bureau of Labor Statistics first began tracking the data in 1976.  

The national unemployment rate also saw a significant decrease, from 9 percent in October to 8.6 percent in November.

The state labor force level was reduced by 4,750 since October. The number of employed workers only grew by 9,777 but unemployment still dropped by 14,527. Officials say the numbers indicate a higher rate of job-seekers have stopped looking for jobs. 

The state's total labor force was 2,164,970 in November, the report said.

The November drop was the second significant decrease in unemployment for the state in a row. There was a .4 percent decrease from September to October.

“When we took office, the unemployment rate was 10.5 percent. To see it drop to 9.9 percent is a good way to end the year," Gov. Nikki Haley said. "We continue to have challenges, but we are committed to doing all we can to put South Carolinians back to work.”

Non-farm employment in S.C. is up 30,700 from November 2010.

“Through the efforts of the businesses in our state who have hired more South Carolinians, we have seen a significant decrease in the unemployment rate,” said SC Department of Employment and Workforce Executive Director Abraham Turner.

There have been fewer job announcements made this month after a string of large announcements in November, but officials say they remain encouraged that efforts to improve the situation are paying off.

“We want to partner with employers to help train the state’s workforce because we know that training is the most important component in providing businesses with a skilled and productive labor force. Through a partnership of this kind, I am optimistic that job growth will continue in the coming months,” Turner said.