December 20, 2006 - Michigan's seasonally adjusted unemployment rate in November was unchanged from the October rate of 6.9 percent, according to data released today by the Michigan Department of Labor & Economic Growth (DLEG).  While total employment declined by 28,000, the state unemployment rate remained at 6.9 percent due to a reduction in the state's labor force.  The national jobless rate in November edged up by one tenth of a percentage point.

"Michigan's labor market situation has been steady as of late," said Rick Waclawek, director of DLEG's Bureau of Labor Market Information and Strategic Initiatives. "Both payroll job totals and the state's unemployment rate have changed little since the summer despite weakness in manufacturing and retail".

Michigan's November 2006 jobless rate increased by four-tenths of a percentage point from the state's November 2005 rate of 6.5 percent.  The loss of 56,000 jobs in manufacturing and retail trade combined during this period offset notable gains such as 16,000 jobs in the professional and business services industry and 9,000 jobs in the education and health services sector.

Monthly Labor Force Trends & Highlights

• Michigan's jobless rate has been stable for the last five months, remaining very close to 7.0 percent since July.
• The state's 11-month average unemployment rate in 2006 of 6.7 percent was the same as the 2005 annual average rate.
• Total employment fell in Michigan in November close to levels recorded in the late summer.  However, total employment decreased by 37,000 or 0.8 percent since November 2005.
• Since November 2005, the state's labor force declined by 22,000 or 0.4 percent.
• The national jobless rate increased by one-tenth of a percentage point in November to 4.5 percent.

MICHIGAN
Labor Force Estimates
Seasonally Adjusted
(Data in Thousands)

The Detroit-Warren-Livonia Metropolitan Statistical Area's (MSA's) seasonally adjusted unemployment rate in November increased by three-tenths of a percentage point to 7.2 percent from October's 6.9 percent.  From October to November, the area's total employment level dropped by 16,000 and unemployment rose by 5,000.  The region's labor force declined by 11,000 over the month.

From November 2005 to November 2006, the Detroit MSA's jobless rate was unchanged at 7.2 percent.  In that period, the area's total employment level declined by 10,000, but unemployment was little changed.

Detroit-Warren-Livonia MSA
Labor Force Estimates
Seasonally Adjusted
(Data in Thousands)

According to the monthly survey of employers, seasonally adjusted Michigan payroll jobs increased moderately in November by 6,000 to total 4,362,000.  Small gains in professional and business services (+3,000), education and health services (+2,000) and leisure and hospitality services (+2,000) were somewhat offset by a minor decline in manufacturing (-2,000).  All other major industry sectors were little changed over the month.

• Total payroll employment in Michigan has been very steady since August.
• Construction employment was down by 3,000 since September, the same as this sector's decline over the year.
• Retail trade employment has leveled off in the last several months after steadily declining throughout the first nine months of 2006.
• Since January, solid growth has been reported in a number of the state's major industry sectors including professional and business services, education and health services, and leisure and hospitality services.
• Since November 2005, payroll jobs in Michigan declined by 27,000 or 0.6 percent.  In that time, significant job losses in manufacturing (-40,000) and retail trade (-16,000) have more than offset notable gains in professional and business services (+16,000), education and health services (+9,000), and leisure and hospitality services (+5,000). Most of the remaining major sectors have been stable over the year.
• Seasonally adjusted average weekly hours and earnings of production workers in manufacturing decreased over the month.  Over the year, hours declined slightly but earnings rose.

The Department of Labor & Economic Growth (DLEG) is investing in Michigan's future by helping to create the jobs of today and tomorrow, ensuring that our children and adults have the skills these jobs demand, making Michigan a better place to do business, and training and placing those who need jobs now.

Note to Editors:  Please ensure that the source for state unemployment rates reads "Michigan Department of Labor & Economic Growth."

Read more Michigan Department of Labor & Economic Growth press releases.