Unemployment stable in the U.P.

Lansing – Seasonally unadjusted unemployment rates increased in 16 of Michigan’s 17 major labor market areas in July, according to the Michigan Department of Technology, Management & Budget.  Total employment and labor force levels declined seasonally in the majority of regions over the month.

“July jobless rates rose typically in the majority of the state’s labor market regions,” said Michael Williams, acting director of the Bureau of Labor Market Information & Strategic Initiatives.  “Payroll jobs declined over the month in Michigan’s local regions due to seasonal short-term job reductions in education, temporary help, and manufacturing.”

Fifty-nine of Michigan’s 83 counties recorded unemployment rate increases in July, 19 counties posted declines, and five county’s rates were unchanged.  Jobless rate changes were mostly moderate over the month, with most of the July declines located in northern counties.  From July 2012 to July 2013, jobless rates rose in 49 counties, fell in 28 and were unchanged in six.  Over-the-year increases and decreases averaged about a half percentage point.

Overall, U.P. rates have been fairly stable, coming in at 9.7% in July 2013, up from 9.6% in the previous month as well as a year ago.  The Michigan jobless rate for July 2013 also came in at 9.7%.  That’s up from the June jobless rate of 9.4%, but down from a year ago when the rate was 10.5%.