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S.C. unemployment rate continues to fall

Staff Report //September 21, 2018//

S.C. unemployment rate continues to fall

Staff Report //September 21, 2018//

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The number of unemployed workers in South Carolina decreased by 3,923 to 78,416 in August, marking the fifth consecutive month that unemployment has declined in the state, according to the latest jobs report from the S.C. Department of Employment and Workforce.

The state’s unemployment rate stood at 3.4%, down from 3.6% in July. Nationally, the unemployment rate remained unchanged at 3.9%.

The state’s labor force declined by 3,606 to 2,306,283, but seasonally adjusted jobs increased by 4,200 in August to a record 2,130,400. The state’s seasonally adjusted labor force has declined by 9,633 people since August 2017, with employment gains totaling 9,328.

Business and professional jobs in South Carolina saw the most growth, adding 4,000 workers. Manufacturing saw the largest decline at 1,500.

Cheryl Stanton, executive director of the S.C. Department of Employment and Workforce, said the department is aware of employment challenges that may be happening around the state because of the effects of Hurricane Florence.

“We want South Carolinians to know that we can offer assistance if they have been out of work due to the disaster,” Stanton said. “Unemployment Insurance is one solution to help people get back on their feet, and, as always, we are here to help individuals find new jobs.”

In Richland County, unemployment remained the same at 3.6% compared to July. Lexington County unemployment rose to 3% in August from 2.9% in July. Both numbers are lower than June 2017, when Richland County unemployment was at 5% and Lexington County was at 4.2%.

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