 |
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE |
CONTACT: MILISSA REIERSON |
| SEPTEMBER 15, 2005 | (615) 741-2257 (O) |
(615) 308-3705 (C) |
|
August Unemployment Rate 5.3 Percent
Rate down from JulyNASHVILLE - Tennessee’s unemployment rate for the month of August is 5.3 percent, down 0.2 percentage points from the seasonally adjusted July rate of 5.5 percent, Commissioner of Labor & Workforce Development James Neeley announced today. The national unemployment rate for July is 4.9 percent, down from the July 5.0 percent rate.
“From August 2004 to August 2005, the business survey shows a growth of 27,200 jobs,” said Commissioner Neeley. “Major employment increases are taking place in retail trade and health care/social assistance.”
The July-to-August figures show local government educational services jobs grew by 9,600. Trade/transportation/utilities jobs rose by 2,000. Administrative services employment added 2,000 jobs. Month-to-month seasonal decreases took place in arts/entertainment/recreation employment, down 700 jobs. Building material and garden supply store employment declined by 700 jobs, and construction jobs decreased 500.
From August 2004 to August 2005, retail trade increased by 9,300. Jobs in health care/social assistance rose by 6,400. Jobs also increased in food services/drinking places, up 3,600. Employment decreased in accommodation by 1,800, nondurable goods manufacturing by 1,600 and information by 1,400.
ATTENTION: August 2005 County and MSA rates will be released at 1:30 p.m. on Thursday, September 22, 2005.
NOTE: Tennessee’s employment and unemployment statistics are based on two major surveys. The Current Population Survey (CPS) is a survey by place of residence, providing estimates on the number of people in the labor force, total employment, unemployment, and the unemployment rate. Beginning in January 1992, the CPS data are seasonally adjusted for all states as directed by the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The business survey collects data by place of work and creates information about jobs in various industries. The business survey data are non-seasonally adjusted at this time. Information will be available on the Internet: enter www.tennessee.gov/labor-wfd
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