Dillon County’s unemployment rate rose slightly to 15.7 percent in August up from 15.6 percent in the month of July.
The county tied for ninth in the state in unemployment.
The state’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate rose from 10.9 percent in July to 11.1 percent in August.
The state’s labor force increased for the fourth consecutive month with the total labor force level estimated at 2,163,803.
There were 1,924,633 employed persons in August, down slightly from the previous month.
Over the past several months, employment levels have continued to decrease while unemployment levels have increased, thus driving the unemployment rate higher.
South Carolina’s nonfarm payroll employment decreased by 1,700; however, manufacturing continued to show positive job growth with a seventh consecutive monthly gain in employment since January 2011.
Manufacturing employment went up 800 from a month ago and up 11,000 from a year ago.
South Carolina has led the southeastern region in manufacturing job growth, by nearly doubling the increase posted by Kentucky–the state with the next highest growth rate.
Within the manufacturing sector, durable goods saw a positive employment increase. Contributing to the durable goods’ gain was: Primary Metal and Fabricated Metal Products Manufacturing (+200) and Transportation Equipment Manufacturing (+200).
There were encouraging gains in several other major industry sectors as well: Professional and Business Services (+1,200), Education and Health Services (+500), and Government (+1,400). Job growth in these industry sectors helped minimize this month’s decline in Trade, Transportation, and Utilities and Leisure and Hospitality.
Over the year, the total jobs count is 16,500 higher than for August 2010, with the private employers adding 32,200 jobs. The 12-month growth was fueled by Manufacturing, Leisure and Hospitality, and Professional and Business Services sectors.
The Conference Board’s Help Wanted Online Index reflected that nationally, there was a decline in the number of ads posted by employers in August.
The number of online ads in South Carolina fell by 1,900 to 45,200 ads from July to August, with neighboring states experiencing similar trends: Florida’s on-line ads were down 14,700, Georgia lost 8,100 and Alabama dropped 2,900.
“Although the state’s unemployment rate rose in August, South Carolinians should not be discouraged as we have seen the initial claims for unemployment and the duration of benefits paid decrease,” said SC Department of Employment and Workforce Executive Director Abraham Turner.
“We are aware through jobs announcements that businesses are coming to the state; therefore, I have made job training my top priority to ensure South Carolina has a skilled and well-trained workforce to offer those businesses.”
“As we partner with other agencies including the two- and four-year colleges, I am confident we can forge ahead to put South Carolinians back to work,” said Turner.