DWD: June jobs, unemployment numbers announced for state

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

Gain of 12,900 private-sector jobs is largest one-month gain since September 2003

MADISON – Department of Workforce Development (DWD) Secretary Scott Baumbach announced today preliminary state jobs and unemployment data for the month of June 2011 that show the Wisconsin employment picture continues to brighten.

“Wisconsin has added 39,300 private-sector jobs since Governor Walker declared Wisconsin open for business,” Secretary Baumbach said. “Jobseekers and employers alike are reaping the economic benefits of the business-friendly environment that Governor Walker is advancing, and we encourage jobseekers to keep pursuing these new employment opportunities.”

The latest preliminary estimates show a net gain of 12,900 private-sector jobs from May to June, representing the largest one-month gain of private sector jobs since September 2003. The number of manufacturing jobs grew by 800 over the month, bringing the industry total to 14,100 jobs created this year.

Jobs posted on http://www.JobCenterofWisconsin.com have surpassed 30,000 this week as employers are maximizing use of this popular website. In addition to growing use of http://www.JobCenterofWisconsin.com, recent surveys of Wisconsin businesses show that employers are optimistic and that they see Wisconsin moving in the right direction.

Place of Work Data

Compared to a year ago, private sector jobs increased by 42,400 seasonally adjusted. Without seasonal adjustment, private sector jobs increased by 51,900 from May to June, and by 42,200 year-to-year.

Unemployment Rate

Wisconsin’s seasonally adjusted June unemployment rate was 7.6 percent, up slightly from 7.4 percent in May, but down from 8.3 percent in June 2010. Without seasonal adjustment, Wisconsin’s June unemployment rate was 8.1 percent, up from 7.4 percent in May and down from 8.4 percent in June 2010. The rates encompass Wisconsinites who are available for work and actively seeking jobs.

“With 15,100 more people entering the labor force in June than in May, we believe more jobseekers are entering the workforce with optimism of finding employment,” Secretary Baumbach said. “At the Department of Workforce Development, we are committed to doing everything we can to help connect jobseekers with new work opportunities, and to help connect them with training and other services to help them succeed.”

The U.S. seasonally adjusted unemployment rate was 9.2 percent, up slightly from 9.1 percent in May and down from 9.5 percent in June 2010. Without seasonal adjustment, the U.S. rate was 9.3 percent, up from 8.7 percent in May and down from 9.6 percent in June 2010. Wisconsin unemployment rates remain below national rates, and through May 2011, below rates of other manufacturing-heavy Midwest states including Illinois, Indiana, Michigan and Ohio.