Although the State of Indiana added 8,600 private sector jobs, officials at the Department of Workforce Development say the state’s unemployment rate inched up from 5.9 to 6.0 percent.
Most of the gains were made in the trade, transportation and utilities industries as well as the manufacturing sector.
According to DWD, despite sizable private sector gains, Indiana’s unemployment rate was driven up 0.1 percent to 6.0 percent in January mainly due to another substantial labor force increase (+14,249).
DWD also says Indiana’s labor force has grown by 85,500 individuals over the past two years, which is one of the largest increases in the nation. Indiana’s labor force participation rate also increased in January by 0.2 percent to 63.9 percent, and continues to be a full percentage point higher than the national average. January also marks the 10th month in a row Indiana’s labor force participation rate exceeded the national rate.
Sectors showing gains in January include: Trade, Transportation & Utilities (6,700),Manufacturing (1,500), Private Educational & Health Services (900), Professional and Business Services (500), and Leisure and Hospitality (200). The Construction (-2,800), and Financial Activities (-100) sectors declined in January. Total nonfarm employment increased in January (5,500).
Photo: Unemploymenthelp.com
