By Staff
LANSING - Michigan's seasonally adjusted unemployment rate in November rose by four-tenths of a percentage point to 7 percent, according to data released today by the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Growth (DLEG). Despite the increase, Michigan's unemployment rate has declined six-tenths of a percentage point since November 2003, slightly exceeding the rate of decline nationally.
From November 2003 to November 2004, both the state and the nation have recorded similar percentage declines in both the number of unemployed and their respective jobless rates. Joblessness declined in Michigan by eight percent and in the U.S. by seven percent since November 2003, while jobless rates for both have decreased by around a half percentage point.
"November's jobless rate was the highest in Michigan for 2004, however, unemployment remains below last year's levels," said Bruce Weaver, acting director of DLEG's Bureau of Labor Market Information and Strategic Initiatives. "November's higher than expected job cuts in the manufacturing and temporary help sectors were related to production adjustments in the auto industry."
Total employment in Michigan fell by 26,000 and unemployment increased by 16,000 as the state civilian labor force declined by 10,000.The statewide decline in total employment in November was the first over-the-month decrease since July.
Labor Force Trends &Highlights
The state's labor force, after dipping somewhat in mid-year 2004, was back up this fall to levels recorded in the early months of the year.
Michigan's unemployment rate declined six-tenths of a percentage point since November 2003.
The November 2004 national jobless rate was 5.4 percent.