State Unemployment Rate Ticks Up, Area Rate Inches Down

The South Carolina Department of Employment and Workforce (DEW) released employment figures on Friday and the state saw its unemployment rate rise from 9.4 percent in June to 9.6.

The DEW attributed the increase to a loss of jobs in the government sector that are seasonal in nature, specifically in education. But all other sectors saw losses as well. Only the information sector realized gains.

In the Columbia metropolitan area there was a drop in the workforce from June of approximately 1,900 workers. However, compared to July of 2011, roughly 9,500 more people are employed in the Midlands region.

The unemployment rate in the Columbia area is 8.7 percent, down from 9.1 in June and 9.6 in July of 2011.

Lexington County had the lowest rate of any county in the state with 7.3 percent. Richland County’s rate was 9.4. Both counties saw their rates improve by .4 percent since June.

Online advertisements for work decreased slightly with number of jobseekers per listed opening moving from 3.5 to 3.7. The most opportunities were in health care and technical occupations.

“The state’s unemployment rate has once again mirrored the movements of the national rate. A decline in payroll employment is typical for this time of year, as educational institutions are on break for the summer,” said Abraham J. Turner, executive director of the SC Department of Employment and Workforce. “However, DEW remains steadfast and focused on its efforts to put South Carolinians back to work.”