SC Unemployment Falls As Fewer Seek Work
South Carolina’s unemployment rate fell for the second consecutive month in August, according to data released Friday by the S.C. Employment Security Commission.
South Carolina’s unemployment rate – the nation’s sixth-highest – dropped from 11.7% in July to 11.5% last month, although the reduction appears to be tied to the fact that large numbers of South Carolinians have simply given up their search for a job. The figure also remains nearly two points above the national rate of 9.7%, which increased by three-tenths of a percent last month.
Back in February, economists predicted the Palmetto State’s unemployment rate could reach as high as 14% in 2009.
South Carolina faces a potential billion dollar debt tied to its unemployment benefits, as the state has already borrowed hundreds of millions fo dollars. Also, some are questioning whether or not the Employment Security Commission is doing everything it can do to place employees in available jobs.
The state’s manufacturing sector, in particular, has been hardest hit by the current recession. Specifically, South Carolina has shed nearly 30,000 manufacturing jobs over the past year.
WEB EXTRA
S.C. August Unemployment Release
Comments
By OhNoNotAgain on September 18th, 2009 at 1:13 pm
On what do you base the statement that people have simply given up looking for work?
I don’t doubt it, but I’d like to know where that comes from?
By fitsnews on September 18th, 2009 at 1:44 pm
ONNA,
We pulled it completely out of our asses …
-FITS
By OhNoNotAgain on September 18th, 2009 at 1:51 pm
Well, then journalistically, you should attribute that properly.
“According to our asses, …”
That kind of thing.
“Our asses say, …” if you want to go simplistic.
By Strom's Daughter on September 18th, 2009 at 2:17 pm
I want everyone in South Carolina unemployed to the point where they have to eat each other for food and cornhole one another to stay warm.
And I want “Dum Spiro Spero” to be changed to what it should have been all along:
“Squeal like a pig.”
By Pamela on September 18th, 2009 at 3:01 pm
I haven’t given up looking,been out of work since Feb. I’m not being interviwed by the jobs I seek. Husband is disabled I’m in my 50s I am not a good candidate for employers.I have NEVER seen it so bad in this state, I was born & raised in GVL County S.C.
By Pamela on September 18th, 2009 at 3:03 pm
Stroms Daughter does everyone include YUO & YOUR family??
By Laura Campbell on September 18th, 2009 at 5:48 pm
Can someone, anyone, get the jackasses who are sending our jobs overseas to stop? Could America come together over something, anything, and boycott foreign products?
The fools sending our jobs overseas do not have the foresight to see that once they’re entrenched with cheap labor, ultimately those working for slave wages will demand higher pay. Then, there will be an uprising by the people of say, Mexico, and the US will have to get involved, since our government these days only knows how to police other countries and either start or get involved with wars.
I have to wonder exactly how much of the US has to be given away before Americans stand up and fight, if that’s what it takes, to make it stop.
At least with have the drama of Sanford, Wilson, and others to keep up entertained while we twiddle our thumbs.
Just my humble opinion.
By big guy from sc on September 18th, 2009 at 9:17 pm
this is bull shiiit i have applied to over 24 jobs in SC and havent heard back from any but 2, and those told me they hired someone already, but thanked me for applying.
SUX i have 25 dollars to my name and the very cell phone the jobs will call me to work for them, is about to be turned off!!!
help me im in SC ! im broke and hungry with 20 years of work experience!
By Soft Sigh From Hell on September 18th, 2009 at 10:26 pm
As I recall, then-Sen. Hollings warned and warned about the consequences of sending SC’s and the US’s manufacturing jobs overseas (or southward), but we were all told, “No, America will have a booming new information economy.” Whatever that is. We tried a bout of selling each other hamburger-joint stock futures and other even lesser paper goods. We see how that turned out.
How does a mainly nonagricultural nonmineral (e.g., coal or oil) economy prosper without major manufacturing? Hollings asked the question. Do we yet have an answer?
By Strom's Daughter on September 18th, 2009 at 10:39 pm
“Stroms Daughter does everyone include YUO (sic) & YOUR family??”
Yeah, you can try to eat me — but I’m heavily armed, so good fucking luck.
And I’ll cornhole you to keep you warm, provided you send a picture first.
By rick on September 20th, 2009 at 11:30 am
Now that we know the official unemployment rate, how about the unofficial rate which includes those that have already run thru their benefits, quit looking for work etc? Must be much higher than 11.5%. Look to Columbia if you want answers to why South Carolina’s unemployment rate is so high. Blame the companies if you must, but we all know that the decisions made in Columbia affect the decision making process in the boardroom. Not to cut the business leaders any slack, but many of the decisions are based upon the economics of the area.