ASHEVILLE — The region’s tough job market continued in June, although some experts say they see a few small signs of improvement going forward.
The overall unemployment rate in Western North Carolina remained unchanged from May to June at 10.4 percent, but the rate rose in Buncombe County, according to figures released Friday by the N.C. Employment Security Commission.
Buncombe County’s rate rose from 8.8 percent in May to 9.0 percent in June while 10 of the region’s 18 counties saw lower jobless rates in June than in May. It is difficult to say to what extent the figures, which are not seasonally adjusted, reflect seasonal factors.
All of the rates were much higher than a year ago, reflecting the extent to which the economy has deteriorated over that period. Buncombe’s jobless rate in June 2008 was 4.8 percent, for example, and the overall rate for the region was 5.3 percent.
Rick Elingburg, head of the Employment Security Commission’s Asheville office, said local jobless rates may rise more before falling. Other experts have made similar predictions both nationally and locally.
But, Elingburg said he also sees some reason for optimism.
“We are seeing a few more job opportunities picking up, although they are limited and the numbers are still small,” he said.
Full Story Here: Citizen-Times.com
