Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development

MADISON – The Department of Workforce Development (DWD) today announced the state’s preliminary unadjusted unemployment rate for the month of October rose to 3.9 percent, up from the official rate for the month of September, which stood at 3.4 percent. When adjusted for seasonal factors, the state’s unemployment rate stood at 4.5 percent in October compared to 4.0 percent in September. The unemployment rate for the nation stood at 5.0 percent unadjusted and 5.4 percent seasonally adjusted for the month of October.

"Wisconsin’s unemployment rate increase for October, after three straight months of decline, indicates that while the state is being impacted by the attacks of September 11, the detrimental effects on the economy are less severe than what many had expected," said DWD Secretary Jennifer Reinert.

Figures released this month are the first available that reflect the economic effects of the September 11 terrorist attacks on the United States.

Nonfarm industry jobs increased in October, by 7,600. In year-to-date averages, Wisconsin’s average monthly employment figure has been 2,838,010 compared to 2,827,654 over the same ten months for 2000. The actual number of unemployed, reported to be 118,300 in October, was the lowest number of unemployed for any month this year other than September.

In spite of a better than anticipated overall report, manufacturing in Wisconsin continues to experience deterioration. The October 2001 manufacturing figure was estimated at 585,800 compared to 591,100 in September and 615,700 one year ago.

Other industries experiencing losses included construction, wholesale trade, services, and transportation, communications, and public utilities. Industries with positive results included retail trade, finance, insurance and real estate, and government, particularly local government. Much of the increase in government employment was attributed to a slower start to school hiring this fall. September’s government increase was somewhat lower than usual.

Note to news media

County employment and unemployment figures for October should be available on 
November 21. This release is available on the department Internet site at: http://www.dwd.state.wi.us/lmi

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