November Unemployment Numbers released

Unemployment rates edged up in November, according to the South Carolina Department of Employment and Workforce. The state’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate was 4% in November from October’s rate of 3.9%. Locally, Oconee County’s unemployment rate showed no change, remaining at 4.1% in November. Pickens County posted 3.9% in November compared to 3.6% in October. Anderson County’s unemployment rate was 3.6% in November, which is also up from 3.5% in October. The number of South Carolinians working decreased over the month by 2,451 to 2,232,579 people, while the number of unemployed increased by 1,648 to 92,740. The state’s labor force in November decreased by 803 to 2,325,319 people. Since November of 2016, the labor force has grown by 27,178 people, and employment gains totaled 34,305. The level of unemployed people decreased by 7,127. “It is exciting to see that businesses have added nearly 8,000 workers in this last month, providing opportunities for South Carolinians. Each time a company decides to expand or build a facility in South Carolina, they are giving the state a vote of confidence that we have a skilled workforce available to fill their positions,” said Cheryl Stanton, executive director of the South Carolina Department of Employment and Workforce. “We are working to help ensure that all citizens, whether a disabled veteran, the homeless or an ex-offender, can take advantage of these opportunities by removing any barriers to employment.” Nationally, the unemployment rate showed no change, remaining at 4.1% in November.