Latest Jobs Numbers Show Fewer Unemployed Locally

November 17, 2012

The latest job numbers released Friday showed the unemployment rate dropping in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties, and edging up in Escambia County, Alabama.

Escambia County’s unemployment rate dropped from 8.6 percent in September to 8.1 percent in October.  There were 758 fewer people reported unemployed during the period, for a total Escambia County unemployment of 11,363 people. One year ago, unemployment in Escambia County was 9.8 percent.

Santa Rosa County unemployment dropped from 7.6 percent in September  to 7.0  percent in October. Santa Rosa County had a total of 5,043 persons  reported to be still unemployed. The year-ago unemployment rate in Santa Rosa County was 8.6 percent.

In Escambia County, Alabama, unemployment was up slightly from  9.5 percent in September to 9.6 in October. That represented 1,435  people unemployed in the county during the month. The year-ago rate was 9.7 percent.

The jobless numbers released by Florida and Alabama do not include persons that have given up on finding a job and are no longer reported as unemployed.

Florida’s jobless rate fell in October to 8.5 percent, its lowest level since December 2008. Florida still lags behind the nation but closed the gap a bit. The national rate stood last month at 7.9 percent. If discouraged workers and part time employees seeking full-time jobs are added, Florida’s unemployment rate for October was 16.4 percent down from 18.2 percent a year ago.

“We are creating an environment that fosters job creation, economic development and provides a skilled workforce,” Gov. Rick Scott said in a statement. “My number one goal is to create jobs for Florida families and get this state back to work. There is still more work that needs to be done, but I’m confident we’re on the right path.”

Alabama’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate, at 8.1 percent in October, was down from September’s rate of 8.2 percent and was below the year-ago rate of 8.5 percent.

Nationally, the unemployment rate fell more, dropping 0.3 points in September to 7.8 percent. That’s 1.2 percentage points lower than September 2011.

Comments

One Response to “Latest Jobs Numbers Show Fewer Unemployed Locally”

  1. Jane on November 17th, 2012 6:17 am

    Due to holiday hiring by stores?

Written by William Reynolds · Filed Under News