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July Unemployment Rate 5.5 Percent
Rate down from June

NASHVILLE - Tennessee’s unemployment rate for the month of July is 5.5 percent, down 0.5 percentage points from the seasonally adjusted June rate of 6.0 percent, Commissioner of Labor & Workforce Development James Neeley announced today. The national unemployment rate for July is 5.0 percent, the same as the June rate.

“From July 2004 to July 2005 we have seen job growth totaling 21,600 jobs according to the business survey,” said Commissioner Neeley. “Seasonal month-to-month decreases took place in manufacturing; and local and state government educational services.”

The June-to-July figures show accommodation jobs grew by 500. Construction jobs increased 400. Nursing and residential care facilities added 200 jobs. Month-to-month seasonal decreases took place in local government educational service jobs decreasing by 12,000.

From July 2004 to July 2005, trade/transportation/utilities increased by 6,500. Jobs in health care/social assistance rose by 6,400. Jobs also increased in food services/drinking places, up 3,600. Employment decreased in nondurable goods manufacturing by 2,300, accommodation by 1,800, and information by 1,500.

ATTENTION: July 2005 County and MSA rates will be released at 1:30 p.m. on Thursday, August 25, 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

(05-103)
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