Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
Wisconsin’s unemployment rate dipped last month, although the number of jobs also declined from the year before, according to preliminary data released today by the state Department of Workforce Development.
The unemployment rate dropped to 4.4 percent in April from 5.3 percent in April 2007. The unemployment rate is based on household surveys and reflects the degree to which jobseekers are finding work.
A separate count of payroll data showed a decrease of 18,800 jobs since April 2007, led by a 9,200-job fall in manufacturing. Educational and health services continued to add jobs, with a growth of 10,100 jobs in the last month.
Falling in with seasonal patterns, employers in most industries expanded jobs since March, when the unadjusted unemployment rate was 5.6%.
“Wisconsin’s labor market improved significantly in April, as the construction industry enjoyed warmer weather and manufacturing continued to see strong exports, due in part to a weaker dollar,” Workforce Development Secretary Roberta Gassman said in a statement. “This is the second consecutive month that we’ve seen improvement in both construction and manufacturing, and we look forward to continued growth. Employment in the leisure and hospitality sector also is improving, as the summer vacation season approaches.”
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