The unemployment rate in Stanislaus County grew by more than a percentage point for November with agricultural and manufacturing sectors showing the greatest number of job losses for the month, according to the latest figures from the Economic Development Department.
The unadjusted seasonal unemployment rate for the county was 17.2 percent, up from a revised rate of 16 percent in October and the year ago estimate of 16.8 percent.
The 17.2 percent unemployment rate represents approximately 41,000 unemployed people, according to the EDD.
In Merced County the unemployment rate grew significantly from 16.3 percent in October to 18.6 percent in November. In San Joaquin County the unemployment rate was at 17.5 percent in November, up from 16.3 percent the month prior.
The state recorded an unadjusted unemployment rate of 12.4 percent for the third straight month. In November 2009, the unemployment rate in California was 12.3 percent.
The unemployment rate is derived from a federal survey of 5,500 California households.
In related data, the EDD reported that there were 600,196 people receiving regular unemployment insurance benefits during the November survey week. This compares with 592,475 last month and 781,449 last year. At the same time, new claims for unemployment insurance were 72,768 in November 2010, compared with 67,168 in October and 84,738 in November of last year.
The national unemployment rate is at 9.8 percent, according to the EDD.
The agricultural and manufacturing sectors took the hardest hits in Stanislaus County with manufacturing losing 800 jobs and agriculture losing 1,700 as the late harvest season ended. The only sectors to post job gains were trade, transportation and utilities at 300 new hires and government with 200.
The unemployment rate in Turlock rose from 12.4 percent in October to 13.2 percent in November. Denair had an unemployment rate of 9.6 percent, while Hughson was at 22.2 percent and Keyes recorded an unemployment rate of 29.3 percent.
To contact Sabra Stafford, e-mail sstafford@turlockjournal.com or call 634-9141 ext. 2002.
