SC unemployment rate hits record 12.1 percent

[NewEngland4Obama]

SC unemployment rate hits record 12.1 percent
6/19/2009 10:14 AM

Related Story:
Aiken County joblessness by the numbers

By JIM DAVENPORT
Associated Press Writer

COLUMBIA -- South Carolina's unemployment rate rose to a record 12.1 percent in May with soaring joblessness in the travel and leisure industry at the start of the state's tourism season, the Employment Security Commission reported Friday.

It was the second month in a row the state's unemployment rate set a record. April's rate was revised to 11.4 percent. It was initially reported as 11.5 percent, the nation's third highest.

Aiken County saw gains again last month, rising from 9.4 percent to 10.1 percent, a .7 percent gain. The county had the sixth lowest unemployment rate in the state.

The biggest job loss in South Carolina came in manufacturing, where payrolls declined by 2,200 jobs in May.

The state's payrolls were down by 90,000 jobs since May 2008, with manufacturing giving up 29,000 jobs. The state's tourism industry was the second-hardest hit, giving up 15,400 jobs at the start of what is traditionally the biggest hiring time for state's beaches and resort businesses.

Allendale County had the state's highest unemployment, 22.1 percent. Lexington County was lowest at 8.1 percent.

The numbers weren't surprising to officials at a time when the lagging economy has forced repeated cuts in state budget.

And the news is only expected to get worse.
http://www.aikenstandard.com/Local/0619-SCUnemployment-WEB

[marmar]

1. Mark Sanford will take care fo it....He'll refuse more federal aid.

n/t