16 April 2010

State Jobless Rate Stays Flat at 14.1% in March

The Detroit News

The state unemployment rate for March remained unchanged from February, at a seasonally adjusted rate of 14.1 percent. Total employment edged up by 8,000 jobs, while unemployment dipped by 2,000.

The state Department of Energy, Labor & Economic Growth pointed out that Michigan's labor force in March increased for the third consecutive month. It was the first three-month gain in Michigan since 2006.

The rate -- which is 1.5 points above the March 2009 level -- continues a trend that emerged last summer, when Michigan's unemployment rate stabilized around 14 percent after making huge jumps in the aftermath of the auto industry's massive restructuring.

The U.S. unemployment rate also was unchanged in March, at 9.7 percent.

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