JACKSON — Mississippi’s not seasonally adjusted unemployment rate rose to 6.9 percent during the month of May according to a press release from the Mississippi Department of Employment Security.
Pearl River County’s unemployment rate was slightly less than the state average, coming in at 6.7 percent. That figure is nearly a full percentage point higher than figures reported in May of 2007, when the county reported an uneployment rate of 5.8.
In April of this year, Pearl River County reported an unemployment rate of 5.5 percent.
The state wide 6.9 percent rate for May is nine-tenths of a percent higher than May’s figure of last year, when the rate was six percent. Continuing the trend, the U.S. unemployment rate also rose four-tenths percent to 5.2 percent, which is nine-tenths percent higher than the May 2007 rate of 4.3 percent. That rate has not been seasonally adjusted
Seasonally adjusted rates for the state rose from 5.9 percent to 6.9 percent over the month, which is nine-tenths of a percentage point higher than a year ago when the rate was 6.0 percent. The U.S. seasonally adjusted rate increased over the month from 5.0 to 5.5 percent, and was a full percentage point higher than the 4.5 percent rate recorded for May 2007.
Non-farm employment data, based on place of work, recorded a small decline of 700 jobs during May but was still 2,100 jobs more than one year ago. Employment gains were noted in Leisure and Hospitality, Trade Transportational and Utilities, and Financial Activities. Over the year the largest employment increases were noted in the Educational and Health Services, Professional and Business Services, and Leisure & Hospitality industries.
Unemployment rates increased over the month in 80 counties. Rankin County reported the lowest unemployment rate for the month of May 2008 at 4.3 percent, followed by Lamar County with 4.7 percent and Jones County with 5.2 percent. Twenty seven counties reported unemployment rates lower than or equal to the state rate of 6.9 percent and 13 counties reported double digit unemployment rates.
The county with the largest unemployment rate was Chickasaw with 13.3 percent.
Changes in the labor force conditions from April to May could be traced, largely, to the annual entry of students into the labor force estimates along with temporary layoffs occurring throughout the state.
Local News
Unemployment rises to 6.9 percent
- Local News
-
- Escapee caught in county Pearl River County Sheriff’s deputies have captured the inmate who escaped from Mississippi Department of Corrections custody on Friday after attending his father’s wake in Picayune.
- Council discusses which funds to spend first On the same day as the ground breaking for the addition to the historic City Hall, city council members discussed which funds to spend first in its construction.
-
Poplarville aldermen honor Holliday, get audit report briefing
The city board of aldermen honored former District Three Supervisor Hudson Holliday at its Tuesday night meeting.
Mayor Billy Spiers presented Holliday with a framed resolution of appreciation for his dedication and service to the city while serving as county supervisor.
-
MRI INSTALLED
This $1.2 million Magnetic Resonance Imaging equipment was installed at the new location of Highland Community Hospital.
-
Hall suspected of robbery after escaping
A man who escaped from jail after attending his father’s wake is suspected of having carried out an armed robbery on the Texas-Arkansas state line. Johnny Hall escaped from Mississippi Department of Corrections custody on Friday while attending his father’s wake in Picayune.
-
City Hall expansion groundbreaking held
A groundbreaking ceremony was held Tuesday at the construction site for the expansion of the historic Picayune City Hall. “You can see our future when you look down Goodyear Boulevard. You see Chimney Square, our high school, The Link at First Baptist Church, Jack Read Park and then our historic City Hall.
-
PRC athletic director says he’ll recommend random drug testing
Pearl River Central athletic director Andy Kivlan told the school board at its Monday night meeting that he will most likely recommend that students participating in extracurricular activities, including band and ROTC, be subject to random drug screening.
-
Supervisors adopt resolution encouraging more economic development in South Miss.
Following a short presentation by State Sen. Tony Smith (R-Picayune), the board of supervisors adopted on Monday a resolution encouraging state officials and agencies to exercise “fairness and parity” regarding location of new industries in Mississippi.
-
MDEQ wants comprehensive waste disposal plan from county
The Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality has told Pearl River County it wants a comprehensive waste disposal plan for the county. Supervisors indicated at their Monday meeting that they are not happy with the request.
-
Police: Powell planned deadly fire for some time
Josh Powell planned the deadly house fire that killed him and his young sons for some time, dropping toys at charities and sending final emails to multiple acquaintances before the blaze, authorities said Monday.
- More Local News Headlines
Man Killed in Courthouse Shootout
Video of Ga. Man Who Killed Girl Released
Air Force Airlines: Leaders Get Polished Service
Ga Girl Fights Off Kidnapper at Walmart
Nevada Highway Patrol, City Settle Beating Case
White House Attacks Romney on Birth Control
Homs Bombardment Continues, Global Outcry Grows
Mo. Teen Gets Life Sentence for Killing Girl, 9
Lower-hassle Screening to Be Tested at Airports
Raw Video: Dog Rescued From Icy Colo. Water
Helmet Camera Captures Calif. Fire Rescue
Worker Tells 911: Powell 'exploded the House'
Triple Win: Santorum Takes Minn., Mo., Colo.
Injured Marine Inspired by Homecoming
No Rape Charges Against Son of NYPD Commissioner
Egypt's Ruling Generals Play Risky Game With US
Former Komen Exec Defends Funding Cut
Skip the Coffee Cup and Inhale Your Caffeine Fix
Calif. Gay Marriage Ban Ruled Unconstitutional
Jury Selection for Ex-UVa Athlete Enters 2nd Day
