Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development

Contact: August Cibarich, 608/266-0522

SEPTEMBER STATEWIDE UNEMPLOYMENT RATES RELEASED

MADISON – The Department of Workforce Development (DWD) today announced the state’s seasonally-adjusted unemployment rate for the month of September was 3.6 percent, up one tenth of a percentage point from the month of August.

"Wisconsin continues to rank among the best states in the country for working people. Solid gains in employment and job creation over the past year, with minimal increases in unemployment, indicate a strong and healthy economy for Wisconsin," said Secretary Reinert.

When adjusted for the season, the labor force declined by 3,000, employment declined by 6,800 and unemployment rose by 3,800. According to state labor market analysts, a very large gain in the labor force over the year has resulted in the higher unemployment rate. "When you have more people entering the state’s labor force it takes time for them to become absorbed into employment, often resulting in temporary increases in unemployment," said August Cibarich, state labor market analyst.

Non-farm wage and salary job totals increased slightly over the month. Monthly job gains occurred in four of the eight private industry groups. The service group; construction group; finance, insurance and real estate group; and the transportation and public utilities group all experienced job gains over the month.

All major industry groups except the very small mining group had substantial gains over the year. The trade and service industry groups had job gains of 15,300 and 10,200 respectively.

The national unemployment rate for the month of September was 3.9 percent, marking the 152^nd consecutive month that Wisconsin’s unemployment rate has been lower than the national rate.

NOTE TO NEWS MEDIA

County employment and unemployment figures for September should be available by October 24. This release and other labor market information is available on the department Internet site at: http://www.dwd.state.wi.us/dwelmi

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