County’s jobless claims hold steady, state’s continues to drop
Franklin County’s unemployment rate increased slightly in June, but is still well below last year’s average at the same time.
The county’s jobless rate increased to 10.8 percent in June, which was up from the May rate of 10.5 percent. But, it is still significantly lower than the 12.4 percent reported in June 2009.
The numbers total 1,382 people who filed unemployment claims. That is 42 more county residents than from the previous month.
The county’s numbers are in the middle of the pack for the northwest Alabama region. Lauderdale County is at 9.5 percent and Colbert is at 10.5 percent.
Other neighboring counties, however, report a higher percentage of unemployment claims.
Lawrence is at 11.7 percent, Marion is at 13.8 percent and Winston is at 15.8 percent.
Alabama Department of Industrial Relations Director Tom Surtees announced Friday that June’s statewide unemployment rate dropped to 10.3 percent, down from May’s revised rate of 10.7 percent.
June’s state rate marks the first time since August 2007 that the seasonally adjusted rate is not
higher than the previous year’s rate. The rate in June 2009 was also 10.3 percent. This rate represents 215,813 unemployed persons, compared to 225,182 in May.
“This is the first significant drop in our unemployment rate that we’ve experienced for
some time,” Surtees said.
“We are certainly glad to see it. However, the more than two hundred thousand unemployed Alabamians probably don’t feel this way.
“I’d like to encourage those who are unemployed to visit one of our Career Centers across the state to receive assistance in finding a new job or receiving technical or educational training.”
June’s wage and salary employment declined by 3,500, with the majority of the loss
resulting from seasonal losses in government and education and health services.
The counties with the lowest unemployment rates were: Shelby at 7.7 percent, Madison at 7.9 percent and Coffee at 8.1 percent.
The counties with the highest unemployment rates were: Wilcox at 23.6 percent, Dallas at 18.5 percent and Perry at 18.3 percent.
Unemployment rates for
Northwest Alabama counties
Franklin – 10.5 percent
Colbert – 10.5 percent
Lauderdale – 9.5 percent
Lawrence – 11.7 percent
Winston – 15.8 percent
Marion – 13.8 percent
