January Unemployment Rate 8.6 Percent

NASHVILLE – Tennessee Commissioner of Labor & Workforce Development James Neeley announced today Tennessee’s unemployment rate for January was 8.6 percent, up 1.0 percentage point from the revised December rate of 7.6 percent. The January rate a year ago was 5.3 percent. The national unemployment rate for January 2009 was 7.6 percent, up from the December rate of 7.2 percent.

 

“Tennessee’s labor market, as well as the national economic situation, has deteriorated quickly. We are seeing significant job losses in a very short time period,” said Commissioner Neeley. “The recession is fully reflected in Tennessee’s economy as broad declines are evident across most industries.”

 

December-to-January job gains occurred in professional, scientific, and technical services, which increased by 2,900; repair and maintenance added 200 jobs. Declines included trade, transportation and utilities, down 21,800; administrative, support and waste services were down 14,700, and leisure and hospitality lost 9,600 jobs.

 

From January 2008 to January 2009, educational and health services increased by 10,300; local government increased 3,700 and food services and drinking places increased by 1,800. Decreases were in manufacturing, down 35,800; trade, transportation and utilities, down 26,600; and mining and construction, down 18,500.

 

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