By By Kerry Whipple Bean
publisher
While the state unemployment rate ticked up slightly in August, Escambia County’s rate remained flat, the first time in months the jobless rate has not risen in the county.
Escambia County’s rate was at 13.1 percent for August, still significantly higher than the 8.1 rate a year ago.
The state unemployment rate for August 2009 rose to 10.4 percent, up from 10.2 percent in July.
Nearby counties were faring worse than Escambia. Conecuh County’s rate closed in at 20 percent, up to 19.9 percent from 19.4 percent the previous month. Monroe County’s rate was 18.4 percent.
Covington and Baldwin counties, however, had rates below the state average, with 9.8 percent and 8.7 percent, respectively.
Alabama Department of Industrial Relations Director Tom Surtees said most of the job losses were in hospitality and leisure, financial activities, trade, transportation, and utilities and construction.
Claimants can file for unemployment compensation benefits online at www.dir.alabama.gov or by calling 1-866-234-5382.