By Amye Anderson
UCBJ Managing Editor
UPPER CUMBERLAND – Despite an increase of 0.1 percent over the previous month, the state’s reported unemployment rate for November remains historically low.
At 3.1 percent, the preliminary, seasonally-adjusted statewide unemployment rate for the month is two percentage points lower than this same time last year (5.1) and one percentage point below the national average of 4.1 percent.
The state’s total nonfarm employment roster grew by 1,800 jobs in November – with the state’s leisure and hospitality industry seeing the most gains between October and November.
“We’ve invested in our workforce through educational programs like Tennessee Reconnect and Tennessee Promise to help citizens prepare for the job demands of today’s employers. But we’ve also focused on creating an environment in Tennessee where businesses can thrive and want to invest in our communities and citizens,” said Gov. Bill Haslam. “Jobs are created when companies put capital at risk, and our unemployment rate figures reflect that our policies are attracting companies to Tennessee.”
Since mid-summer, Tennessee’s unemployment rate has consistently trended downward. In June, the state recorded its first record-low unemployment rate – 3.6 percent. From there, the rate continued to tumble to 3.4 percent in July and fell to 3.3 percent in August.
Much like October, November’s unemployment rate is two percentage points below the reported rate for the same period last year. The month’s rate is the third lowest in the last six months.
“Heading into the holidays, more Tennesseans have jobs this year, compared to last year,” said Burns Phillips, Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development Commissioner. “That’s good, not only for each individual family, but also for Tennessee’s economy as a whole.”
County-specific unemployment rates for November will be available Dec. 28, according to the TDWLD.
