UNEMPLOYMENT
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O.C. loses 3,100 jobs in November
But unemployment rate fell to 9.4 percent, down from 9.7 percent in October.
By Kristen SchottPublished: December 17, 2009 09:54 AM
Photo courtesy of FotoliaOrange County lost 3,100 positions between October and November, according to statistics just released by the state's Employment Development Department. But the unemployment rate fell to 9.4 percent, down from a revised 9.7 percent in October.
Leisure and hospitality saw the largest drop last month, with 2,100 positions eliminated. The majority of that occurred in the arts, entertainment and recreation sectors.
Professional and business services shed 1,200 positions, and the construction industry followed close behind with 1,100 jobs cut. Manufacturing and financial activities, among others, also reported declines.
But it's not all bad news: The trade, transportation and utilities sector added 1,900 positions in November. And government services gained 1,500 jobs.
Dr. Wallace Walrod, Orange County Business Council's vice president of economic development and research, calls this a "bright spot." He says the uptick in retail trade jobs will probably continue this month, due to the holiday shopping period, though they will drop off in January.
"Until we start growing good-paying jobs in the private sector, we will
continue to experience sluggish economic growth," he adds.
Educational and health care services, and mining and logging saw no change in employment.
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Photo courtesy of Fotolia Leisure and hospitality saw the largest drop last month, with 2,100 positions eliminated. The majority of that occurred in the arts, entertainment and recreation sectors. Professional and business services shed 1,200 positions, and the construction industry followed close behind with 1,100 jobs cut. Manufacturing and financial activities, among others, also reported declines. But it's not all bad news: The trade, transportation and utilities sector added 1,900 positions in November. And government services gained 1,500 jobs. Dr. Wallace Walrod, Orange County Business Council's vice president of economic development and research, calls this a "bright spot." He says the uptick in retail trade jobs will probably continue this month, due to the holiday shopping period, though they will drop off in January. "Until we start growing good-paying jobs in the private sector, we will continue to experience sluggish economic growth," he adds. Educational and health care services, and mining and logging saw no change in employment. NEXT PAGE >> Related headlines O.C. sees slight drop in foreclosures O.C.'s median home price gets 8.1 percent uptick Judge rules for Nicholas and Ruehle |
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