South Carolina’s unemployment rate dropped from 8.4 percent in March to 8 percent last month, according to data released this week by the S.C. Department of Employment and Workforce (SCDEW).
That’s it’s lowest level since October 2008 – news which was immediately touted by S.C. Gov. Nikki Haley.
“This drop in unemployment is yet another piece of great news for South Carolina,” Haley said. “Our outstanding companies, our loyal and dedicated workforce, and our competitive business environment have our economy turning again. There’s no doubt that South Carolina is on the move, and we couldn’t be more excited about the great things in store for our state.”
What did Haley fail to mention? South Carolina’s shrinking labor participation rate – which in March stood at an all-time low of 58.5 percent. That’s nearly five percentage points lower than the national rate, which currently stands at a 34-year low of 63.3 percent.
Ouch …
And while SCDEW touted employment gains in all sectors, South Carolina’s labor force appears to have shrunk by more than 5,000 workers last month.
SCDEW does not release South Carolina’s labor participation rate. FITS had to obtain this information via the state’s Freedom of Information Act (FOIA). The agency also doesn’t report the Palmetto State’s “underemployment rate,” which is a broader and more accurate measure of joblessness. This rate – measured quarterly – currently stands at 15.1 percent.
APRIL 2013 UNEMPLOYMENT REPORT (.pdf)
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16 comments
It’s because of all of the cabana boys needed for the SCDEW conferences. These people are job creators!
Hey, they have to eat, too…….
It’s because of all of the cabana boys needed for the SCDEW conferences. These people are job creators!
Hey, they have to eat, too…….
Maybe the labor participation rate is coming down because retirees are moving into the state? SC is a great place to retire.
If you’re a Christian Libertarian, you don’t understand the meaning of either.
Maybe the labor participation rate is coming down because retirees are moving into the state? SC is a great place to retire.
If you’re a Christian Libertarian, you don’t understand the meaning of either.
Why is it if the S.C. unemployment rate is high, Nikki blames Mr. Obama, but if the rate is low she takes full credit?
Why is it if the S.C. unemployment rate is high, Nikki blames Mr. Obama, but if the rate is low she takes full credit?
And now the rest of the news… General Finan, SCDEW Interim Exec Director has just announced that he is asking Kerry Paul, Chief of Staff who helped lead General Turner to his demise, to assume the position of Director of Employment Services which was vacated by the resignation of Dennis King earlier this week. Kerry Paul has no idea of what this position entails, or does she know what is needed for the unemployed citizens of South Carolina. This is just more incompetent mismanagement that will keep services from the citizens that need them most! SCDEW is in shambles and it will get worse…unfortunately our citizens will suffer for it…
OMG. Please tell me this hasn’t happened to the workforce department. If so, everyone pack your bags because this wo-man will get rid of all and hire her own peeps.
And now the rest of the news… General Finan, SCDEW Interim Exec Director has just announced that he is asking Kerry Paul, Chief of Staff who helped lead General Turner to his demise, to assume the position of Director of Employment Services which was vacated by the resignation of Dennis King earlier this week. Kerry Paul has no idea of what this position entails, or does she know what is needed for the unemployed citizens of South Carolina. This is just more incompetent mismanagement that will keep services from the citizens that need them most! SCDEW is in shambles and it will get worse…unfortunately our citizens will suffer for it…
OMG. Please tell me this hasn’t happened to the workforce department. If so, everyone pack your bags because this wo-man will get rid of all and hire her own peeps.
Must be a sad life, angry all the time…. Could it be the participation rate is dropping because all those textile workers who should have retired didn’t. They milked the unemployment benefits knowing they were not planning to return to work. Now with their “fraudulent” benefits exhausted, they are retiring..
Another issue is these #s come from surveys. How much do you trust them?
Good News is GOOD NEWS. Are there other issues, sure!!! If you look at the UI claims, you will find that SC doesn’t have an unemployment problem we have a job retention problem. The governor nor OBUMMER can’t fix stupid.
Must be a sad life, angry all the time…. Could it be the participation rate is dropping because all those textile workers who should have retired didn’t. They milked the unemployment benefits knowing they were not planning to return to work. Now with their “fraudulent” benefits exhausted, they are retiring..
Another issue is these #s come from surveys. How much do you trust them?
Good News is GOOD NEWS. Are there other issues, sure!!! If you look at the UI claims, you will find that SC doesn’t have an unemployment problem we have a job retention problem. The governor nor OBUMMER can’t fix stupid.