Unemployment Rate Increases In Ohio: New Data

OHIO — Unemployment increased statewide in Ohio in July, new data revealed Friday.

Ohio's unemployment rate climbed to 5.4 percent in July, up from 5.2 percent in June. That means approximately 301,000 Ohioans were unemployed in July, 10,000 more people without work than in June, the Ohio Department of Jobs and Family Services announced.

Nationally, unemployment rate averages dropped from 5.9 percent to 5.4 percent in July, putting Ohio on par with the national average. The increase in unemployment comes despite Gov. Mike DeWine pulling Ohio out of a federal benefits program that provided an additional $300 weekly to people receiving unemployment benefits. The governor argued withdrawing from the program would spur many Ohioans to get back to work.

""We have heard over and over again from employers who can't find workers to fill open positions, and this policy helps both employers and workers. Our administration has focused on opportunities to help Ohioans find quality, well-paying jobs," DeWine and Lt. Gov. Jon Husted said in a joint statement in late July.

A team of attorneys sued the state to try and compel Ohio back into the federal unemployment benefits program, but a judge blocked their lawsuit.

Ohio's labor force participation rate continues to trail the national average. Across the U.S., the labor force participation rate is 61.7 percent. In Ohio, the labor force participation rate is 60.5 percent.