September Unemployment Rate 8.3 Percent

STATE UNEMPLOYMENT RATE DECREASES TWO-TENTHS OF A PERCENTAGE POINT
 

NASHVILLE – Tennessee Commissioner of Labor & Workforce Development Karla Davis announced today Tennessee’s unemployment rate for September decreased to 8.3 percent, down from the August revised rate of 8.5 percent. The national unemployment rate for September 2012 was 7.8 percent, 0.3 percentage point lower than the August rate.

Economic Summary:

• Tennessee’s September unemployment rate is the lowest rate since June.
• Over the past year, Tennessee’s unemployment rate declined from 9.1% to 8.3% (-0.8 percentage point), while the national rate declined from 9.0% to 7.8% (-1.2 percentage points).
• Total nonfarm employment increased 3,300 jobs from August to September, with increases in government and education/health services. There were declines in trade/transportation/utilities and accommodation/food services.
• Over the year, nonfarm jobs increased 20,400, with increases in manufacturing and education/health services. There were declines in trade/transportation/utilities and financial activities.

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