Mich. jobless rate down slightly to 14.1 percent in February; stability seen in labor market
By APWednesday, March 24, 2010
Michigan’s Feb. jobless rate dips to 14.1 percent
LANSING, Mich. — Michigan’s unemployment rate dipped slightly in February to 14.1 percent, continuing a downward trend, the state said Wednesday.
The state’s latest seasonally adjusted jobless rate was down from 14.3 percent in January. The new rate is the lowest in Michigan since June, when unemployment was 13.9 percent.
Michigan’s jobless rate in February 2009 was 12 percent.
The state’s jobless rate remains well above the national rate, which was 9.7 percent in February. Michigan has had the nation’s highest unemployment rate for four consecutive years.
Total Michigan employment in February increased by 13,000 while unemployment declined by 9,000. The state’s labor force rose slightly by 4,000 over the month.
Rick Waclawek of the state Bureau of Labor Market Information and Strategic Initiatives says payroll jobs in Michigan have been relatively stable since last summer.
Total non-farm payroll jobs dropped by about 16,000 in February. About 5,000 of the lost jobs were in manufacturing.
Other jobs were lost in government, construction and business services.
About 5,000 jobs were added in education and health services.
