UNEMPLOYMENT DROPS IN FEBRUARY, STATE REPORTS

Ohio’s unemployment rate fell from 5.3% to 5% from January to February, but the reduction appears have had more to do with strong winter storms than an improving economy, the state said.

“The severe winter storms in mid-February appear to have skewed labor market data as job seekers were less likely to be lowing for work while employers also reported a decline in employment,” Department of Job & Family Services Director Helen Jones-Kelley said.

Overall, the state said the number of unemployed workers in February was 295,000, down from 320,000 in January.

The state’s 5% unemployment rate compares favorably to the 5.3% rate in February of 2006 and is higher than the national rate of 4.5%.

Among different sectors, jobs in goods-producing industries fell by 5,600 over the month and adverse weather was largely blamed for a 4,300-job reduction in construction employment levels. Manufacturing jobs fell by 1,200 jobs and natural resources and mining jobs fell by 100.

In the service sector, 4,100 jobs were lost from the previous month. Government employment was down 4,100 jobs, while reductions were also recorded in the professional and business services (-1,600) trade, transportation and utilities (-1,200) and financial activities (-900) industries. The state recorded 2,200 new jobs in the leisure and hospitality sector and 1,700 new jobs in education and health services

Among the counties, rates ranged from 3.9% in Delaware County to a high of 10.8% in Pike County. Joining Delaware County with rates at or below 4.5% were Mercer, Holmes, Franklin, Hancock, Auglaize and Union counties. Other counties with rates above 9% were Monroe, Morgan, Adams, Meigs, Huron and Vinton.

Julie A. Keil
Executive Director & Governmental Liaison
Ohio Association of Rehabilitation Facilities
17 S. High Street, Suite 280
Columbus, Ohio  43215
614/461-OARF (6273) Phone
614/461-6273 FAX
oarf@oarf.net