March 26, 2008 - Michigan's seasonally adjusted unemployment rate in February edged upward by one-tenth of a percentage point to 7.2 percent, according to data released today by the Michigan Department of Labor & Economic Growth (DLEG).  Total employment declined by 9,000 over the month while unemployment increased slightly by 4,000.  The result was a slight reduction of the state's labor force by 5,000.

Michigan's February 2008 jobless rate moved slightly upward by two-tenths of a percentage point from the state's February 2007 rate of 7.0 percent.  The national rate increased by three-tenths of a percentage point in the same period.

"Overall, Michigan's labor market has been relatively stable since last fall," said Rick Waclawek, director of DLEG's Bureau of Labor Market Information and Strategic Initiatives.  "Since October, payroll jobs have been steady, while the jobless rate has declined slightly."

Monthly Labor Force Trends & Highlights

• The state's unemployment rate in February matched the 2007 annual rate.
  
  
• After steadily declining throughout most of 2007, Michigan's work force has been essentially flat since October 2007, hovering around the 5,000,000 mark.
  
  
• From February 2007 to February 2008, total employment in Michigan has dropped by 49,000 or 1.0 percent.  Total employment nationwide since last February was little changed, edging upward by a mere 0.1 percent.
  
  
• Since February 2007, statewide unemployment increased by 7,000 or 2.0 percent, while U.S. unemployment rose 8.0 percent in the same period.
  
  
• The national jobless rate in February decreased slightly by one-tenth of a percentage point to 4.8 percent.

MICHIGAN
Labor Force Estimates
Seasonally Adjusted
(Data in Thousands)

 

Detroit Metropolitan Area's February Jobless Rate Unchanged

The Detroit-Warren-Livonia Metropolitan Statistical Area's (MSA's) seasonally adjusted unemployment rate in February was unchanged from the January rate of 7.4 percent.  Total employment and unemployment, as well as the area's labor force were virtually unchanged over the month.

From February 2007 to February 2008, the metropolitan area's jobless rate edged upward by one-tenth of a percentage point.  Since February 2007, total employment and labor force fell in the metro area by 18,000 and 17,000 respectively, leaving the area's unemployment level essentially unchanged.

Detroit-Warren-Livonia MSA
Labor Force Estimates
Seasonally Adjusted
(Data in Thousands)

February Payroll Jobs Down Slightly

According to the monthly survey of employers, seasonally adjusted Michigan payroll jobs edged downward in February by 4,000 to total 4,229,000.  Job cuts in construction (-3,000), along with relatively minor job declines in leisure and hospitality services (-2,000) and trade, transportation and utilities (-2,000) were somewhat offset by an increase in professional and business services (+3,000).  The remainder of the major industry sectors recorded only small changes in their respective job counts.

Industry Employment Trends and Highlights

• Payroll job totals in Michigan have been stable since October 2007.
  
  
• A minor manufacturing job decrease in February continued this sector's downward trend.  Since February 2007, manufacturing has recorded declines in 11 of the last 12 months.
  
  
• Jobs in professional and business services increased for the fourth consecutive month in February.  However, this sector remains down over the year.
  
  
• After declining on a monthly basis throughout most of 2007, government employment has been stable since November.
  
  
• From February 2007 to February 2008, payroll jobs in Michigan fell by 62,000 or 1.4 percent.  In that period, the major industry sectors showing significant job loss were manufacturing (‑37,000), construction (-10,000), government (-8,000), professional and business services (-7,000), trade, transportation and utilities (-6,000) and financial activities (-4,000).
  
  
• Since February 2007, education and health services (+12,000), was the only major industry sector in Michigan to register job growth.
  
  
• Seasonally adjusted average weekly hours of production workers in manufacturing were unchanged over the month, but showed an increase over the year.  Average weekly earnings in manufacturing increased over the month as well as over the year.

The Department of Labor & Economic Growth (DLEG) is investing in Michigan's future by helping to create the jobs of today and tomorrow, ensuring that our children and adults have the skills these jobs demand, making Michigan a better place to do business, and training and placing those who need jobs now.

Note to Editors:  Please ensure that the source for state unemployment rates reads "Michigan Department of Labor & Economic Growth."

Read more Michigan Department of Labor & Economic Growth press releases.