CONTACT: John Dipko, Communications Director, 608-266-6753
On the Web: http://dwd.wisconsin.gov/dwd/newsreleases/2011/unemployment/110616_june_state.pdf
Net gain of 1,600 in manufacturing jobs helps sustain Wisconsin’s overall job growth
MADISON – Department of Workforce Development (DWD) Secretary Scott Baumbach announced today preliminary state unemployment and jobs data for the month of May 2011 that show Wisconsin’s economy continues to grow at a pace reflecting national and global economic forces.
“Wisconsin has added 26,400 private-sector jobs, including 13,100 manufacturing jobs, since Governor Walker declared Wisconsin open for business,” Secretary Baumbach said. “Overall, the labor force is growing, with more people working and more people looking for work. We are on pace to meet Governor Walker’s goal of 250,000 jobs by 2015, and there is much more work to be done to get more Wisconsinites trained and in family-sustaining jobs.”
The latest preliminary estimates show a net gain of 900 private-sector jobs from April to May overall. Among the sectors adding jobs during the one-month period is manufacturing, with a gain of 1,600 new jobs.
Job opportunities remain. Online job orders are up at state and national levels. Jobs posted on http://www.JobCenterofWisconsin.com have exceeded 31,000. According to recent surveys of Wisconsin businesses, employers say they are optimistic, that they see Wisconsin moving in the right direction, and that a majority of them plan to add jobs in the months ahead.
Place of Work Data
Compared to a year ago, private sector jobs increased by 30,400 seasonally adjusted. Without seasonal adjustment, private sector jobs increased by 37,100 from April to May, and by 25,600 from the May 2010 figure.
Unemployment Rate
Wisconsin’s seasonally adjusted May unemployment rate was 7.4 percent, up slightly from 7.3 percent in April, but down from 8.5 percent in May 2010. Without seasonal adjustment, Wisconsin’s May unemployment rate was 7.4 percent, unchanged from April and down from 8.2 percent in May 2010. The rates encompass Wisconsinites who are available for work and actively seeking jobs.
The U.S. seasonally adjusted rate was 9.1 percent, up slightly from 9.0 percent in April and down from 9.6 percent in May 2010. Without seasonal adjustment, the U.S. rate was 8.7 percent, unchanged from April and down from 9.3 percent in May 2010. Wisconsin rates remain below national rates, and through April 2011, below rates of other manufacturing-heavy Midwest states including Illinois, Indiana, Michigan and Ohio.
