Michigan, the state with the dubious distinction as having the nation’s worst unemployment rate will keep its tarnished crown after reporting a 12.6% unemployment rate for March 2009. Rising slightly from the 12% rate last reported for February 2009, the numbers show that job losses may have slowed down a bit but the state’s unemployment rate is still far above the national average of 8.5 percent unemployment.
Just one year ago Michigan’s unemployment rate was 5% lower at 7.6%, but the national recession and weakening auto industry based in the state have been steadily pushing unemployment upward at an alarming rate. Figures from the Michigan Department of Energy, Labor and Economic Development show the state’s unemployment claims have risen faster in the last year than in the previous 20 years.
Michigan lost 23,000 payroll jobs in March, with professional and business service jobs down by 8,000. Trade, Transportation and utilities jobs were down by 4,000, while the construction, leisure and hospitality sectors lost 6,000 jobs. Manufacturing in Michigan was steady for the first time in a year and was the only sector to show slight rise in employment in March.
Related Links:
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