UNEMPLOYMENT NEWS
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O.C.'s unemployment rate spikes to 10.1 percent
Number is up from a revised 9.1 percent in December, says the EDD.
By Kristen SchottPublished: March 10, 2010 12:40 PM
Photo courtesy of Fotolia
Orange County's unemployment rate rose to 10.1 percent in January,
up from a revised 9.1 percent in December, according to stats released
by the state's Employment Development Department.
Meanwhile, a
recent survey of local employers shows optimism in the second quarter.
Employers in the construction and education sectors, among others, could see growth between April and June.
But EDD figures
show that 14,600 jobs were shed in the county between December and January, with the
largest declines occurring in the trade, transportation and utilities
sector. Some 5,700 positions were cut in the period, with 80 percent of
the losses occurring in retail trade.
The decline in retail
trade most likely stems from the end of the holiday shopping push, as
seasonal employees lost their positions. Reductions were expected in
general merchandise and clothing, according to the EDD.
Other
areas that saw large declines include the government sector, which lost
3,500 positions in the period, as well as professional and business
services. Some 3,000 jobs were cut in that industry.
The only
two industries to report gains in the period were the manufacturing and
information sectors, which added a total of 900 positions.
The region lost 72,100 positions between January 2010 and the same month last year, notes the EDD.
Looking
ahead, the Manpower Employment Outlook Survey signals that companies in
the L.A.-Long Beach-Santa Ana region will hire at a steady pace in the
second quarter. The report found that 17 percent of firms polled
expected to hire more staffers between April and June, while 11 percent
expected to cut positions. Sixty-six percent do say they expect their staffs to remain unchanged.
During the second quarter, hiring
is projected to occur in construction, durable goods manufacturing, information, financial activities, professional and business services, education and health services, and leisure and hospitality, according to the study. Among those expected to lose
positions: employers in government, transportation and utilities, and
wholesale and retail trade.
“Hiring levels in our area appear to be stronger compared with last quarter," says Manpower spokeswoman Carla Moore. "In addition, employers are much more optimistic about hiring activity as compared with one year ago."
Statewide, the unemployment rate
rose to 13.2 percent in January, according to the EDD. For the
nation, the rate increased to 10.6 in the period.
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Readers Feedback:
I find it hard to believe that education is a growing field. Most districts are handing out pink slips like mad and making huge cuts due to state lack of funds.
Comment at 3/11/2010
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Photo courtesy of Fotolia Orange County's unemployment rate rose to 10.1 percent in January, up from a revised 9.1 percent in December, according to stats released by the state's Employment Development Department. Meanwhile, a recent survey of local employers shows optimism in the second quarter. Employers in the construction and education sectors, among others, could see growth between April and June. But EDD figures show that 14,600 jobs were shed in the county between December and January, with the largest declines occurring in the trade, transportation and utilities sector. Some 5,700 positions were cut in the period, with 80 percent of the losses occurring in retail trade. The decline in retail trade most likely stems from the end of the holiday shopping push, as seasonal employees lost their positions. Reductions were expected in general merchandise and clothing, according to the EDD. Other areas that saw large declines include the government sector, which lost 3,500 positions in the period, as well as professional and business services. Some 3,000 jobs were cut in that industry. The only two industries to report gains in the period were the manufacturing and information sectors, which added a total of 900 positions. The region lost 72,100 positions between January 2010 and the same month last year, notes the EDD. Looking ahead, the Manpower Employment Outlook Survey signals that companies in the L.A.-Long Beach-Santa Ana region will hire at a steady pace in the second quarter. The report found that 17 percent of firms polled expected to hire more staffers between April and June, while 11 percent expected to cut positions. Sixty-six percent do say they expect their staffs to remain unchanged. During the second quarter, hiring is projected to occur in construction, durable goods manufacturing, information, financial activities, professional and business services, education and health services, and leisure and hospitality, according to the study. Among those expected to lose positions: employers in government, transportation and utilities, and wholesale and retail trade. “Hiring levels in our area appear to be stronger compared with last quarter," says Manpower spokeswoman Carla Moore. "In addition, employers are much more optimistic about hiring activity as compared with one year ago." Statewide, the unemployment rate rose to 13.2 percent in January, according to the EDD. For the nation, the rate increased to 10.6 in the period. Related headlines Court OKs Freedom reorganization plan Workforce Management magazine packs for Chicago Steve Forbes talks politics, economics at local event |
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Readers Feedback:
I find it hard to believe that education is a growing field. Most districts are handing out pink slips like mad and making huge cuts due to state lack of funds.
| Comment at 3/11/2010 |