South Dakota seasonally adjusted unemployment rate drops to 4.5 percent in June

PIERRE, S.D. – The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports South Dakota’s preliminary seasonally adjusted unemployment rate for June 2010 was 4.5 percent, down slightly from the May 2010 rate of 4.6 percent.

“The Department of Labor has been working with businesses in need of more workers,” said State Labor Secretary Pam Roberts. “Hiring has resumed in many areas, and we are working to find skilled employees for those employers.”

Preliminary estimates of the seasonally adjusted nonfarm workers show an over-the-month increase of 500 workers from May to June. Industry sectors which added the most workers include mining, logging and construction; wholesale trade; and professional and business services.

“Both dislocated workers and older workers have received assistance from our re-training programs,” said Secretary Roberts. “Focus has been on identifying and training for career opportunities in fast-growing and high-demand occupations.”

Since April 2009, over 7,000 people have received intensive case management re-employment services. A total of 41 percent of those people are now employed as a result.

“As South Dakota’s economy continues to improve, worker recruitment and retention will be high priorities to help grow our workforce,” said Secretary Roberts.

Nationally, the unemployment rate also decreased, from 9.7 percent in May 2010 to 9.5 percent in June 2010.

An overview of the sub-state labor market and snapshot of South Dakota’s economy will be released July 23 in the e-Labor Bulletin. This publication and information on workforce services is available at www.sdjobs.org.

Tags: daily updates, south dakota, unemployment rate, south dakota department of labor, unemployment, employment, jobs