Employment Gains Continue

By Glenn Collins
Friday, September 17, 2010 | 10:09 AM
https://hbtv.us/news/?story_id=440

(MONTGOMERY) The unemployment rate in Winston County continued its six-month improvement in August, dropping to 14.3%, its lowest since April, 2009. The statewide rate fell again, to 9.2%, its lowest since March, 2009. The nationwide rate climbed to 9.6%, reflecting 14,860,000 people actively seeking work.

Alabama Department of Industrial Relations Director Tom Surtees said, "This marks the first time in nearly two years that Alabama’s unemployment rate has been below the national average. That is most definitely a sign that Alabama’s economy is slowly but surely recovering from this economic recession."

Governor Bob Riley said, "A trend is developing that’s clear, positive and very good."

Area counties and their August rates (July rates in parentheses): Cullman 8.6% (8.6%), Fayette 11.4% (11.8%), Franklin 9.7% (9.9%), Lawrence 9.9% (10.6%), Marion 13.1% (13.1%), Morgan 9.3% (9.4%), Walker 10.3% (10.4%).

The counties with the lowest unemployment rates again were: Shelby at 6.8%, Madison at 7.1%, and Coffee at 7.3%. The counties with the highest unemployment rate again were Wilcox at 21.3%, Greene at 18.8% and Dallas at 17.8%.