Unemployment Edges Up in State

South Carolina’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate increased from 10.0 percent in May to 10.5 percent in June, according to South Carolina Department of Employment and Workforce.

“Even given the normal summer spike in unemployment, the rate is still reflective of what is going on at the national level. However, we expect this will improve in the future as businesses and jobs continue to come to South Carolina.” said DEW Executive Director John Finan.

Based on the federal survey of households, an increase in the labor force of 2,830 was noted for an overall level of 2,158,217. 

According to the department, the  unemployment rate increase in June stems from a higher number of people seeking work, combined with a decrease in job openings. 

According to the Conference Board’s Help Wanted Online Index, online postings of job openings decreased by 1,580 positions last month.

Though there was a decline, South Carolina fared better than neighboring states, with North Carolina experiencing 7,800 fewer postings and Georgia experiencing 7,000 fewer postings, a sign that the Southeast economy is still in a fragile state.

South Carolina’s non-farm payroll employment increased by about 3,300, but the brightest spot was a continuing increase in manufacturing employment. 

This is the  fifth consecutive monthly gain in non-farm payroll employment since January 2011, rising 3.8 percent. The increase in non-farm employment from June 2010 to June 2011 was 13,500 jobs. 

Gains were reflected in  several major industry sectors: leisure and hospitality added about 5,300 jobs; manufacturing added 1,600 jobs, and construction saw a 1,500 job increase. These gains were offset by losses in the government, education and health services industry sectors.   

For unemployment help, Summerville has an S.C. One Stop at 2885 W. 5th North Street.