Kentucky unemployment rate reaches 11.2 percent in October | News

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Kentucky unemployment rate reaches 11.2 percent in October

Although Kentucky's jobless rate increased to 11.2 percent in October, the state experienced an overall net gain in jobs, according to www.kentucky.com. Still, improvement regarding hiring tended to reflect temporary hiring and strength in the employment services industry.

Kentucky's unemployment rate was 6.9 percent one year ago.

Overall, Kentucky added 2,900 jobs in October. Seven of the 11 major industries demonstrated employment increases.

"This represents an easing in the employment losses in Kentucky's economy, which has hemorrhaged jobs during the 19 months since the recession commenced in December 2007," says Justine Detzel, chief labor market analyst for the state Office of Employment and Training. "Since the start of the recession, nonfarm employment in Kentucky has decreased by 109,500 positions."

The professional and business sector experienced the largest job increase, adding 5,000 jobs, and the government sector added 1,200 jobs.

The other services sector experienced the largest loss, dropping 2,200 jobs, and the manufacturing sector dropped 2,000 jobs.

Kentucky's unemployment rate remains higher than the national rate, which was 10.2 percent in October.

11/30/2009