LANSING – Thirteen of the state’s 17 labor market areas saw declines in seasonally unadjusted unemployment rates in November while total employment and labor force levels also increased in most regions.
“November unemployment rates declined slightly in the state’s southern areas, and rose seasonally in the northern regions,” Jason Palmer, director of the Bureau of Labor Market Information and Strategic Initiatives, said in a statement. “Jobless rates in most regions in Michigan were up marginally since November 2016. However, unemployment rates throughout the state have been low in 2017.”
Monroe and Detroit-Warren-Dearborn metropolitan statistical areas saw notable decreases at 1.6 percent and 0.6 percent, respectively. In northern Michigan seasonal rate increases were registered with the Northeast Lower Michigan region increasing 1.1 percent, the Upper Peninsula increasing 0.6 percent and the Northwest Lower region increasing 0.4 percent.
Total employment increased during the month, but has decreased during the year. Grand Rapids-Wyoming and Saginaw saw 1.2 percent increases in total employment. But since November 16, total employment decreased in 13 regions.
Payroll jobs in November increased by 7,000, as seasonal job gains in trade, transportation and utilities (13,000) and professional and business services (5,000) were largely offset by seasonal job cuts in leisure and hospitality services (down 10,000) and construction (down 5,000).
Retail saw a 9,000 jobs increase during as the industry prepared for the holiday season.
This story was published by Gongwer News Service.
