LANSING, MI (WHTC-AM/FM) – Joblessness along the Lakeshore grew in July.
In numbers posted on Thursday by the Michigan Department of Technology, Management and Budget, seasonally unadjusted employment rates rose from June’s level by a half of a percentage point in both Ottawa and Allegan counties. Ottawa fell from the lowest statewide at 3.2 percent in June to a tie for third lowest in July at 3.7; Allegan slipped from a tie for fourth at 3.4 to a tie for seventh at 3.9.
These figures are consistent with statewide trends that showed increases in unemployment and decreases in total employment and workforce levels in July. Bureau of Labor Market Information and Strategic Initiatives Jason Palmer, in a statement, wasn’t surprised, saying, “The continuation of seasonal job cuts in education and temporary layoffs in Michigan’s auto industry both contributed to regional over-the-month jobless rate hikes.”
A year ago, unemployment stood at 3.4 percent in Ottawa County and 3.7 percent in Allegan County.
