Ohio jobless rate tumbles in November

Van Wert independent/ODJFS information

Ohio’s unemployment rate took a big jump downward, coming in at 8.5 percent in November, down from 9.0 in October, according to data released Friday morning by the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS).

Ohio’s nonfarm wage and salary employment increased 6,000 over the month, from the revised 5,107,500 in October to 5,113,500 in November.

The number of workers unemployed in Ohio in November was 496,000, down from 526,000 in October. The number of unemployed has decreased by 69,000 in the past 12 months from 565,000. The November unemployment rate for Ohio was down from 9.6 percent in November 2010.

The U.S. unemployment rate for November was 8.6 percent, down from 9.0 percent in October.

Total Nonagricultural Wage and Salary Employment (Seasonally Adjusted)

Ohio’s nonfarm payroll employment rose 6,000 over the month, from 5,107,500 in October to 5,113,500 in November, according to the latest business establishment survey conducted by ODJFS.

Service-providing industries at 4,292,800 were up 5,600 from October. The most significant gains were in trade, transportation and utilities (+3,500), government (+1,500), financial activities (+1,100), and educational and health services (+500).

The only service sector losses were in leisure and hospitality (-1,400) and information (-300). Goods-producing industries, at 820,700, saw a net increase of only 400 from October. Employment in manufacturing (+4,400) was offset by losses in construction (-4,000).

Over the past 12 months, nonagricultural wage and salary employment grew by 75,600 jobs. Service-providing industries gained 55,600 jobs.

The most significant gains occurred in educational and health services (+22,800), trade, transportation and utilities (+15,500), professional and business services (+15,100), and financial activities (+5,200). Government lost 7,700 jobs over the year.

Goods-producing industries increased by 20,000 jobs, led by an increase in durable goods manufacturing (+18,300). Construction (+4,400) and mining and logging (+200) also increased from November 2010.