Alabama saw its unemployment rate increase during the month of December.
According to new unemployment statistics released by the Alabama Department of Labor, the seasonally adjusted unemployment rate for the state increased to 6.2 percent — up 0.2 percent from November's rate of 6 percent.
The total number of unemployed workers actively looking for employment in the state increased from 128,019 to nearly 133,000. However, the total number of employed workers also increased to 2,021,864 from November's report of 2,017,743.
The increase in the unemployment rate was because of an unexpectedly large increase in the civilian labor force during the holiday season, according to a state press release.
“Although a slight increase in the unemployment rate is never celebrated, this month’s increase is attributed to the fact that the labor force increased by nearly 10,000, while people were out looking for work, seasonal or otherwise,” said Fitzgerald Washington, Alabama Labor Department commissioner. “December’s labor force count was on par with the summer months, which is traditionally when the most people are searching for work. Increases in the labor force represent increased confidence in the job market.”
The unemployment rate for the Auburn-Opelika metropolitan area increased 0.2 percent, as well, from 4.7-4.9 percent. Most other cities also saw an increase in unemployment.
Auburn-Opelika still maintains the lowest unemployment rate for any metropolitan area in Alabama.
January unemployment statistics for the United States were released Feb. 5 at 8 a.m. According to the report, the unemployment rate in the United States dropped again to 4.9 percent from 5 percent in November and December.
Average hourly earnings for private sector employees also rose slightly in January from $25.27-25.39. According to the report, hourly earnings have increased 2.5 percent over the last year.
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