Dillon County’s unemployment rate increased to 15.7 percent in the month of June, up from 14.8 percent in the month of May.
Statewide, South Carolina’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate increased from 10.0 percent in May to 10.5 percent in June. 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. 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, a sign that the Southeast economy is still in a fragile state.
South Carolina’s nonfarm 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 nonfarm payroll employment since January 2011, rising 3.8 percent. The increase in nonfarm 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, and Education and Health Services industry sectors.
“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.
Finan stated it is important businesses know South Carolina has the expertise, capability and readiness to help them remain competitive and productive.