Unemployment Rate Down Slightly as More Leave Workforce

Ohio's unemployment rate was 7.4 percent in April, down from 7.5 percent in March, according to data released by the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS). Ohio's nonfarm wage and salary employment fell 3,400 over the month, from the revised 5,141,300 in March to 5,137,900 in April.

The lower unemployment rate along with fewer Ohio employment means the rate decrease is due, in part, to more people leaving the workforce for various reasons.

The number of workers unemployed in Ohio in April was 431,000, down from 438,000 in March. The number of unemployed has decreased by 79,000 in the past 12 months from 510,000. The April unemployment rate for Ohio was down from 8.8 percent in April 2011.

The U.S. unemployment rate for April was 8.1 percent, down from 8.2 percent in March and down from 9.0 percent in April 2011.

The local rate for Marion County will be released next week.

Total Nonagricultural Wage and Salary Employment (Seasonally Adjusted)
Ohio's nonfarm payroll employment decreased 3,400 over the month, from 5,141,300 in March to 5,137,900 in April, according to the latest business establishment survey conducted by ODJFS.

Service-providing industries decreased 2,000 over the month to 4,300,000. Job losses occurred in trade, transportation, and utilities (-4,700), leisure and hospitality (-2,000), financial activities (-1,400), and other services (-400). Growth occurred in government (+2,900), professional and business services (+1,900), education and health services (+1,500), and information (+200). Goods-producing industries, at 837,900, were down 1,400 from March. Manufacturing jobs fell 1,400 while mining and logging and construction were unchanged.

From April 2011 to April 2012, nonagricultural wage and salary employment rose by 47,200. Service-providing industries added 29,300 jobs. The most significant gains occurred in trade, transportation and utilities (+16,600), education and health services (+16,500), and professional and business services (+7,300). Also showing improvement were information (+1,700) and other services (+1,300). Over-the-year declines were posted in leisure and hospitality (-8,200), government (-3,100), and financial activities (-2,800). Goods-producing industries increased 17,900. Manufacturing gained 16,600 jobs through expansion in durable goods (+12,000) and nondurable goods (+4,600). Construction added 1,000 jobs while mining and logging employment increased 300.