Kentucky unemployment rate falls slightly | News | Kentucky Roofing Contractors Association

Home | News |

Kentucky unemployment rate falls slightly

Kentucky's unemployment rate dipped 0.2 percentage points in March, falling from 10.9 percent to 10.7 percent, according to www.kentucky.com. Overall, Kentucky gained 7,700 jobs in March.

However, the gain does not necessarily indicate significant improvement.

"Kentucky's economy showed some signs of stabilization," says Justine Detzel, chief labor market analyst for Kentucky's Office of Employment and Training. "However, the employment gains are inflated by employees at a major manufacturer returning to work after a temporary layoff and temporary hiring at a federal agency engaged in data collection efforts."

Seven of the 11 major industries showed employment increases in March, including the trade, transportation and utilities sector, which added 4,500 jobs; construction sector, which added 2,000 jobs; education and health services sector, which added 1,700 jobs; government sector, which added 1,200 jobs; manufacturing sector, which added 400 jobs; mining and logging sector, which added 200 jobs; and professional and business services sector, which also added 200 jobs.

The leisure and hospitality sector cut 1,600 jobs; other services sector cut 800 jobs; and information sector cut 100 jobs. The financial activities sector remained steady.

The state's unemployment rate continues to remain higher than the national unemployment rate, which was 9.7 percent in March. Since March 2009, Kentucky has lost 21, 400 jobs.

4/16/2010