Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development

Thursday, December 19, 2002 Governor Scott McCallum Secretary Jennifer Alexander

News Media Contact Christopher Marschman 608/261-6705 e-mail: news@dwd.state.wi.us fax: 608/266-1784

Contact: Terry Ludeman, 608/267-3262

NOVEMBER UNEMPLOYMENT RATES RELEASED

MADISON – Wisconsin’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate for November was estimated at 5.1, up two-tenths of a percentage point from October’s final rate and two-tenths percentage points higher than the November 2001 figure. The national seasonally adjusted unemployment rate for November was 6.0 percent, up from 5.7 percent in October. The state’s unadjusted unemployment rate for November is estimated at 4.5 percent, up from 4.1 percent in October.

"Nonfarm jobs in Wisconsin were estimated to be 2,867,500 in November, up 400 jobs from the October figure of 2,867,100 and up 24,200 jobs from the November 2001 figure," said DWD Secretary Jennifer Alexander. "Job totals have experienced little change over the past two years, with nonfarm jobs in November of 2000 totaling 2,869,300," she said.

Manufacturing, both durable and nondurable continues to struggle, with durable goods manufacturing decreasing by 1,600 jobs. Nondurable goods manufacturing also experienced a decrease of 1,500 jobs, which is near the norm for this time of year. Wisconsin’s very strong food and kindred products industry normally slows down at this time of the year – especially in the fruits and vegetable canning industry.

Construction remains strong. Despite losing 3,500 jobs, the November employment level of 127,700 is the highest November total in history for Wisconsin. Trade was also very strong adding 8,900 jobs, 8,700 in retail trade. The services industry recorded a decrease of 7,700 jobs, with much of the loss, 3,800 in business services. The hotels and other lodging sector, which normally experiences a loss this time of year, lost 2,200 jobs.

Initial claims for unemployment insurance have averaged about 15,800 per week over the past eight weeks, which is down from the 17,300 per week average for the same time last year. The initial claims in the last half of 2002 has been down from the same period in 2001, but in the first half of the year, claims were higher in 2002 than they had been in 2001.

There are 138,800 people reported to be unemployed in Wisconsin in November, compared to 126,200 last month, and 133,100 one year ago. The number of people employed is 2,915,081, up by 54,000 from last November’s figure.

October employment and unemployment figures for individual counties should be available on December 27. This release also is available at www.dwd.state.wi.us/lmi.

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