Unemployment Down Slightly in Seekonk, Steady in Swansea

In comparing January 2012 with January 2013, the unemployment rate took a slight dip in Seekonk and remained the same in Swansea, according to statistics released Tuesday by the Massachusetts Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development.

The state agency reported the unemployment rate was 9.1 percent in Seekonk for January of this year. It was 9.2 percent in January 2012. The rate in Swansea was 10.9 percent for both months.

Unemployment was lower in both towns in December 2012 (8.2 percent in Seekonk and 9 percent in Swansea). Seasonal factors are likely the reason for this difference.

Statewide, unemployment was nearly identical for January 2012 (7.5 percent) and January 2013 (7.4 percent).