CONTACT: John Dipko, Communications Director, 608-266-6753
MADISON – Department of Workforce Development (DWD) Secretary Scott Baumbach announced today preliminary state jobs and unemployment data for the month of August 2011.
“Even during these challenging times for our nation’s economy, Wisconsin has added manufacturing jobs over the month and, since December 2010, has outpaced the nation’s rate of manufacturing job growth by more than double,” Secretary Baumbach said. “And while Wisconsin showed a slight drop in private-sector job totals during August, we’ve created a net 29,600 private sector jobs this year, reflecting a rate of growth that is stronger than the nation’s. Overall, we are on a positive path and we expect to see continued improvement over the long term.”
“In manufacturing and other sectors, employers are telling us they have jobs to fill and have posted over 100,000 jobs on http://www.JobCenterofWisconsin.com this year alone, surpassing the 75,082 jobs posted during all of last year,” Secretary Baumbach said. “We urge job seekers to explore the possibilities and are ready to help them find that next employment opportunity.”
Place of Work Data
The latest preliminary seasonally adjusted estimates show manufacturing added 1,500 jobs in nondurable goods production over the month. With a loss of 300 in durable goods, the sector’s net gain was 1,200. The sector has gained 16,100 jobs seasonally adjusted since December 2010. Without seasonal adjustment, manufacturing grew by 24,900 since December 2010.
The total number of jobs decreased by 2,300 from July to August, including 800 in the private sector. Compared to December 2010, Wisconsin has added 30,100 jobs overall including 29,600 in the private sector. Without seasonal adjustment, private sector jobs increased by 3,800 from July to August, and by 86,400 since December 2010.
Unemployment Rate
Wisconsin’s seasonally adjusted August unemployment rate was 7.9 percent, up slightly from 7.8 percent in July, but down from 8.0 percent in August 2010. Without seasonal adjustment, Wisconsin’s August unemployment rate was 7.3 percent, down from 7.7 percent in July and 7.8 percent in August 2010. The rates encompass Wisconsinites who are available for work and actively seeking jobs.
The U.S. seasonally adjusted unemployment rate was 9.1 percent, unchanged from July and down from 9.6 percent in August 2010. Without seasonal adjustment, the U.S. rate was 9.1 percent, down from 9.3 percent in July and down from 9.5 percent in August 2010.
Wisconsin unemployment rates remain below national rates, and through July 2011, below rates of other manufacturing-heavy Midwest states including Illinois, Indiana, Michigan and Ohio.
