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MADISON – Department of Workforce Development (DWD) Secretary Reggie Newson announced today preliminary state jobs and unemployment data for the month of October 2011.
“Wisconsin’s unemployment rate decreased over the month and our state’s labor market has improved over the course of this year, but the decline in total jobs over the month reaffirms our exposure to challenges in the national and global economy,” Secretary Newson said. “More than ever, we must continue to advance the Governor’s job-creation agenda and ensure jobseekers have the skills that are in demand by employers who are looking to locate or expand in Wisconsin.”
Secretary Newson reaffirmed the value of DWD’s online employment site, http://www.JobCenterofWisconsin.com, which today has over 33,000 jobs posted and has surpassed 120,000 postings this year. He encouraged employers and jobseekers to use http://www.JobCenterofWisconsin.com and other services available through the Wisconsin Job Service system.
Place of Work Data
The latest preliminary seasonally adjusted estimates show total nonfarm employment declined by 9,700 jobs from September to October; and private sector jobs, by 9,300 in the same period. Compared to October 2010, private sector employment increased by 14,500 jobs. The preliminary estimate of total private sector employment for October was 2,337,300.
The preliminary data indicates declines from September to October in manufacturing, healthcare, construction, retail trade and other sectors. Leisure and hospitality was one of several sectors with one-month gains. Government employment was relatively flat. Compared to October 2010, manufacturing gained 10,600 jobs, and education and health services added 6,800 jobs. Government employment declined 8,500 jobs, compared to October 2010.
Without seasonal adjustment, total nonfarm jobs increased by 600 from September to October, and 5,500 jobs from October 2010. Private sector jobs decreased by 15,700 jobs from September to October, but increased by 14,100 jobs from October 2010.
Unemployment Rate
Wisconsin’s seasonally adjusted October unemployment rate was 7.7 percent, down slightly from 7.8 percent in September 2011 and unchanged from October 2010. Without seasonal adjustment, the October rate was 6.8 percent, down from 7.0 percent in both September 2011 and October 2010. The rates encompass Wisconsinites who are available for work and actively seeking jobs.
The U.S. seasonally adjusted unemployment rate was 9.0 percent, down slightly from 9.1 percent in September 2011 and down from 9.7 percent in October 2010. Without seasonal adjustment, the U.S. rate was 8.5 percent, down from 8.8 percent in September 2011and down from 9.0 percent in October 2010.
