Washtenaw County's unemployment rate rises to 7.7%
Washtenaw County's unemployment rate rose from 6.8 percent in May to 7.7 percent in June, according to statistics released this afternoon by the Michigan Department of Technology, Management & Budget.
The number of jobs based in Washtenaw County fell by 3,300. Of that drop, 2,800 were classified as "state government" jobs — which, in Washtenaw, includes seasonal workers at the University of Michigan and Eastern Michigan University.
The state government job losses "were likely the result of continued loss of staff at local educational institutions, though 1,500 is a more typical reduction in this sector in June," analysts said in a monthly report.
In the private sector, companies that provide professional and business services lost 400 jobs, and retailers cut 300. The private education and health services sector shed 200 jobs.
The manufacturing sector added 200 jobs as the auto industry's rebound continues.
The number of county residents with jobs fell by 2,100 from May to June, while the work force — the number of employed residents plus the number of unemployed workers who want a job — fell by 600.
The numbers don't account for forthcoming layoffs at Ann Arbor-based Borders Group Inc., which announced July 18 that it would liquidate. The 400 workers at the company's headquarters and another 50 at its two local stores will lose their jobs.
The county's unemployment rate was down from 9.0 percent in June 2010.
The rate was the fifth lowest among Michigan's 83 counties. Mackinac (5.0), Clinton (7.4), Cheboygan (7.4) and Barry (7.6) were better.
Michigan's unemployment rate in June was 11.0 percent, up from 10.3 percent in May but down from 12.6 percent in June 2010.
Contact AnnArbor.com's Nathan Bomey at (734) 623-2587 or nathanbomey@annarbor.com. You can also follow him on Twitter or subscribe to AnnArbor.com's newsletters.
Comments
russellr
Fri, Aug 5, 2011 : 1:21 p.m.
I would also like to add. I know people who have been on unemployment for over a year. They do not want to get off unemployment Meijer is hiring at all there stores. The ones on unemployment said why should I work I make more money on unemployment. I know there isn't enough jobs for everyone but come on stop unemployment after 6 months. I'm a senior and I work and have no skills but found a job that is very hard labor for $8.00 an hour. There is some jobs out there most people don't want to work unless they get paid $15.00 hour or more.
Dr. Rockso
Fri, Jul 29, 2011 : 12:51 a.m.
No Fears!!! Rick and Spark are coming to the rescue. Rick set aside 10 million dollars for Spark to hire 40 of his friends at 250,000 a piece!!! Putting taxpayer dollars to work "Moving Michigan Forward".
Mike K
Thu, Jul 28, 2011 : 8:28 p.m.
The assertion that Snyder is giving money to the rich is inflammatory, but I suppose that's how you roll. Middle class business people were getting double taxed. One for the business, one for personal income. Do you think it's fair for a guy who opens a hobby shop or skateboard shop to get double taxed? Do you think that person is "rich"? On the flip side, a tax credit was eliminated. Only a liberal can add that up to stealing from the poor and giving it to the rich. Demogoguery at its finest. Time for you to take a reality check. Get in your car and drive into the industrial park south of the AA airport. The problem is obvious, and candidly, that industrial park isn't so bad.
Atticus F.
Thu, Jul 28, 2011 : 9:26 p.m.
I think it's fair that people who have money coming in hand over fist should contribute to roads, schools, and public services...Call me crazy.
Atticus F.
Thu, Jul 28, 2011 : 7:46 p.m.
No need to worry... Now that Snyder is taking money from senior citizens and giving it to rich people, the jobs should start rolling in any minute.
tdw
Thu, Jul 28, 2011 : 6:22 p.m.
5,4,3,2,1.........time to blame Synder
Buzz
Thu, Jul 28, 2011 : 8:20 p.m.
that should be a "6" not a "&".
Buzz
Thu, Jul 28, 2011 : 8:19 p.m.
& months in and blame Snyder...31 months in and blame Bush.