Berkeley Unemployment Rate Up in May

Employment numbers shifted toward the wrong direction in May in Berkeley County and across the state.

The S.C. Department of Employment and Workforce released the latest numbers on Friday.

In Berkeley County, the unemployment rate climbed to 8.5 percent in May. It was 7.4 percent in April. Similar jumps were found in Charleston and Dorchester counties.

In May 2011, Berkeley County's unemployment rate was at 8.9 percent.

In a statement Friday, DEW Executive Director Abraham Turner noted the long-term growth the state has seen in job creation.

Statewide the seasonally adjusted unemployment rate rose to 9.1 percent, from 8.8 percent in April.

"Historically, South Carolina's unemployment rate fluctuations have mirrored the movements of the national rate, and this month is no exception," he said. "We are encouraged that people are entering the labor force searching for employment, and DEW continues to remain focused on putting South Carolinians back to work."

Gov. Nikki Haley visited Berkeley County , a cable manufacturer expected to create 200 jobs at its new site in the Bushy Park Industrial Complex.