August 2006 Unemployment Figures - State

August Unemployment Rate 5.7 Percent
RATE DECREASES 0.2 PERCENTAGE POINT

NASHVILLE - Tennessee’s unemployment rate for the month of August is 5.7 percent, down from the seasonally adjusted July rate of 5.9 percent, Commissioner of Labor & Workforce Development James Neeley announced today. The national unemployment rate for August is 4.7 percent, down from the July rate of 4.8.

“According to the household survey, employment growth totaled 87,500 jobs from August 2005 to August 2006,” said Commissioner Neeley. “Seasonal employment increases from July to August in local government educational services was up 10,000 jobs according to the business survey.”

The July-to-August business survey shows additional increases in administrative/ support/waste services up 3,000 jobs. Employment in trade/transportation/utilities increased by 2,300. Seasonal month-to-month employment decreases took place in arts and entertainment with 400 jobs lost. Information employment dropped by 400 jobs.

From August 2005 to August 2006, trade/transportation/utilities jobs increased by 10,100. Jobs in leisure and hospitality rose by 8,900 and educational and health services jobs increased by 7,300. Employment decreased in manufacturing by 4,200, food and beverage stores by 1,400 and administrative/support/waste services jobs by 1,200.