May 22, 2008 – Seasonally unadjusted unemployment rates declined over the month in all of Michigan's 17 major labor market areas, according to the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Growth.  In April, total employment edged upward in the majority of areas, while labor force levels decreased in almost all regions.

"The unemployment rate reductions throughout the state in April were mainly the result of seasonal work force declines," said Rick Waclawek, director of the Bureau of Labor Market Information & Strategic Initiatives.  "This is typical for the early spring as fewer individuals were in the job market seeking employment.  Historically, labor force levels will tend to expand again over the course of the next several months."

From March to April, jobless rate reductions in the 17 regions ranged from 0.7 to 2.5 percentage points with an average decrease of 1.2 percentage points.  The most pronounced over-the-month rate cuts were registered in both the Northeast and Northwest Lower Michigan Regions.

Jobless Rates Moved Downward Since April 2007
From April 2007 to April 2008, unemployment rates edged downward in 12 major labor market regions.  Six of the regions displaying rate declines over the year registered decreases ranging from a half percentage point to 0.8 of a percentage point.  The other six areas showed minor reductions of 0.3 of a percentage point or less.

Since April 2007, four regions recorded jobless rate increases, with the largest rate hikes posted in the Flint, Monroe, and Saginaw-Saginaw Township North Metropolitan Statistical Areas (MSAs).  The unemployment rate in the Bay City MSA was unchanged over the year. 

Total Employment Up Over Month, Mixed Over Year
From March to April, total employment was up seasonally in 13 areas, with most regions reporting minor gains under 1.0 percent.  The Northeast and Northwest Lower Michigan Regions were the exceptions, registering advances of well over 1.0 percent.  The Flint and Detroit-Warren-Livonia MSAs recorded total employment declines, while the Kalamazoo-Portage and Saginaw-Saginaw Township North MSAs were essentially unchanged over the month.

Since April 2007, total employment declined in 10 regions.  Decreases were wide ranging with a number of areas recording drops well over 1.0 percent.  Total employment rose over the year in seven areas, with most of the areas displaying only minor gains.

Labor Force Levels Down Over Month, Year
In April, labor force levels declined in 15 regions with a median reduction of 0.7 percent.  From April 2007 to April 2008, work force levels fell in 12 regions and increased in five.

Seasonal Gains in April Payroll Jobs
The monthly survey of employers indicated that seasonally unadjusted payroll jobs in Michigan rose in April by 25,000 to total 4,190,000.  Typical seasonal increases were highlighted by gains in leisure and hospitality services (+12,000) and professional and business services (+12,000).  Other seasonal growth was recorded in construction (+6,000) and trade, transportation and utilities (+4,000).  These gains were offset somewhat by a job cut in manufacturing (-9,000) and a minor decline in government (-3,000). 

The decline in manufacturing jobs was directly related to layoffs in the auto industry due to the continued impact of a major strike.  Most metro areas reported manufacturing declines in April, however, the Detroit-Warren-Livonia (-6,000) and Flint (-1,000) MSAs continued to be the most adversely effected by the labor dispute.

The seasonal increases in leisure and hospitality services, professional and business services and construction were posted in most metropolitan areas over the month; however, the gains in construction were generally less than normal.

From April 2007 to April 2008, seasonally unadjusted payroll jobs fell statewide by 73,000 or 1.7 percent.  Of the 12 major metropolitan areas in the state, ten reported job declines over the year while two displayed increases.  The largest over-the-year metro job losses were recorded in the Detroit-Warren-Livonia (-51,000), Flint (-10,000), and Saginaw-Saginaw Township North (-3,000), MSAs.  Payroll jobs increased moderately over the year in the Niles-Benton Harbor MSA, while the Muskegon-Norton Shores MSA reported a very minor gain.

Over the year, manufacturing and construction jobs were down in all metropolitan areas, while jobs in health services were up in nearly all regions.

County Jobless Rates Down Over Month, Year
All of Michigan's 83 counties recorded seasonal jobless rate reductions in April, with a median decline of 1.3 percentage points.  Most of the larger decreases were posted in the state's northern counties.

From April 2007 to April 2008, unemployment rates were down in 64 counties with an average decline of a half percentage point.  Fifteen counties reported over-the-year increases, while four were unchanged.

Note:  Data in this release is not seasonally adjusted.  As a result, employment and unemployment trends may differ from previously released Michigan seasonally adjusted data.

A breakdown of seasonally unadjusted April workforce estimates for Michigan and its 17 major labor market areas follows, along with a listing of county jobless rates for April.

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

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.