July Unemployment Rate Edges Up

Lansing – Michigan’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate in July edged upward over the month by one-tenth of a percentage point to 8.8 percent, according to data released today by the Michigan Department of Technology, Management & Budget (DTMB).  The number of unemployed increased by 10,000 over the month, while the state’s labor force advanced by 9,000.  Total employment was flat in July.

The Michigan jobless rate in July 2013 was half a percentage point below the state’s July 2012 rate of 9.3 percent.  The national jobless rate decreased by eight-tenths of a percentage point over this period.  The state’s unemployment rate in July was one and four-tenths percentage points above the national rate of 7.4 percent.  The U.S. jobless rate declined over the month by two-tenths of a percentage point.

“Labor market conditions were relatively flat in July in Michigan,” said Michael Williams, acting director of the Bureau of Labor Market Information and Strategic Initiatives.  “So far in 2013, however, the state has recorded steady job gains combined with an expanding workforce.  These workforce gains have kept the state unemployment rate stable.”