Staff Report
Published June 18, 2010
South Carolina’s unemployment rate declined for the fourth straight month in May, to 11%, in part as a result of people leaving the work force, the S.C. Department of Employment and Workforce reported today.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, South Carolina’s labor force declined 7,686 in May to 2.15 million, reflecting a decline for the third month in a row. The labor force is now approximately 26,500 fewer workers than in May of 2009.
Total employment increased by 3,302 for April, reaching 1.9 million.
May’s rate declined from the revised April rate of 11.5%. Aiken County reported the lowest unemployment rate, at 7.4%, down 0.8 percentage point from April. Lexington County had the second-lowest rate, at 7.6%, which is up from April’s 7.3%. Richland County’s rate rose 0.9 percentage point to 9.4%.
In the Lowcountry, Charleston and Dorchester counties both saw their unemployment rates rise to 8.6%. Charleston County’s rate rose 0.5 percentage point from April, and Dorchester County’s rate was up 0.3 percentage point. Berkeley County’s unemployment rate also rose, by 0.4 percentage point to 9.4%.
Upstate counties also saw their unemployment rates rise. Greenville posted an unemployment rate of 9.3%, up 0.4 percentage point from April’s 8.9%. Anderson and Spartanburg counties reported unemployment rates of 11% in May. Spartanburg’s rate increased 0.2 percentage point, and Anderson’s rate jumped 0.4 percentage point.
The national jobless rate decreased two-tenths of a percentage point in April to 9.7%, also primarily as a result of a declining labor force.
A separate, establishment-based survey showed the number of nonfarm jobs increased by 22,100 in May, with increases in nine industry divisions. Gains were recorded in retail trade (up 900), leisure and hospitality (up 5,500) and professional and business services (up 2,100). Job increases were also seen in manufacturing (up 800), construction (up 800) and financial activities (up 1,900). Government posted a gain of 9,700, with census hiring reflecting approximately 8,500 of the gain.
“We are encouraged by the trends of the last few months while, at the same time, cautious since state and local budgets face serious shortfalls and the national economy remains fragile,” said John Finan, executive director of the S.C. Department of Employment and Workforce.
