DWD: April jobs and unemployment rates announced

CONTACT: John Dipko, Communications Director, 608-266-6753

On the Web: http://dwd.wisconsin.gov/dwd/news.htm

Complete Labor Force Summary tables can be found at:

http://dwd.wisconsin.gov/dwd/newsreleases/2010/unemployment/elec_trans_state.pdf

Wisconsin sees largest monthly job numbers increase since January 1996

MADISON – Department of Workforce Development (DWD) Secretary Roberta Gassman announced today that Wisconsin added 16,400 jobs on a seasonally adjusted basis in April, reflecting the largest one-month jump in jobs in more than 14 years and further signaling the state’s continued economic recovery.

“Bolstered by Wisconsin’s strong growth in jobs in April, we have added 32,000 jobs in our state during the first four months of 2010, the vast majority in the private sector,” Secretary Gassman said. “With steps taken at both the state and national levels to encourage economic growth and create jobs, we are seeing further evidence of economic recovery.”

Wisconsin experienced job gains on a seasonally adjusted basis across most sectors, including an additional 3,300 manufacturing jobs. Without seasonal adjustment, the state added 45,900 jobs including 4,200 manufacturing jobs.

Unemployment Rate Drops

Wisconsin’s unemployment rate dropped to 8.5 percent in April from 8.8 percent in March, and is lower than the April 2009 rate of 8.6 percent (seasonally adjusted). Without seasonal adjustment, the state unemployment rate fell to 8.2 percent (not seasonally adjusted) from 9.8 percent in March, and is lower than the April 2009 rate of 8.7 percent.

Wisconsin remains under the national unemployment rate of 9.9 percent (seasonally adjusted) and 9.5 percent (not seasonally adjusted).

“Governor Doyle’s number one priority is helping our businesses create jobs and giving our workers the opportunities to get those jobs,” Secretary Gassman said. “The Governor has worked aggressively to create and retain jobs in Wisconsin and, because of Governor Doyle’s leadership, Wisconsin now has some of the most powerful economic development tools in the country. The Governor’s efforts have helped Wisconsin companies expand and create thousands of new jobs in communities throughout the state.”

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