County job statistics reflect slow economy
From our weekly issue dated March 12, 2008
Josephine County total payroll employment fell by 550 jobs during January, resulting in an unemployment rate rise from 7.9 percent in December to 9.5 percent, Oregon Employment Dept. (OED) announced.
It said that 31,895 persons had jobs in the county during January vs. 32,096 during January 2007.
“Broad-based declines in many industry sectors combined for nearly a 20 percent decline from the prior month’s total,” said OED. “During the year, employment is essentially flat, down by a net 30 jobs.”
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In December, construction employment fell by 90 jobs, leaving an over-the-year decline of 170 jobs, or a drop of 11 percent. In comparison, statewide construction employment fell by approximately 5 percent during the year. Manufacturing shed 30 jobs; 10 of those in wood products manufacturing.
During the past 12 months, manufacturing is down by 100 jobs, for a loss of 3 percent. Retail trade employment fell by 120 jobs, mostly due to post-holiday related downsizing. However, during the past 12 months, the county gained 50 jobs in retail trade.
Health-care and social assistance employment dropped by 20 in January, but added 140 jobs since January 2007. Leisure and hospitality employment typically reaches its lowest level during the quiet mid-winter months in Josephine County, OED said.
“In January, this tourism-dependent sector fell by 70 jobs, for an over-the-year decline of 80 jobs,” the agency noted. “High gasoline prices and general economic malaise may be dampening employment in this sector.”
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Government employment fell by 60 in January, with most of the drop in local government education. During the year, government employment rose by 80, with gains in federal (+20), and local government education (+60).
OED stated, “With no sign that the housing market is turning around, either locally or nationally, there may be further weakness in coming months in Josephine County’s housing, construction, building products, real estate and finance sectors. Sectors that are impacted by spiking fuel prices may also experience slower growth, such as trucking and transportation firms.
“Recent devaluation of the U.S. dollar can be a boost to local firms that export products outside U.S. markets, but many of those markets are also experiencing slower growth as well,” OED concluded.
Jackson County’s jobless rate was 7.6 percent during January; it was 6.5 in January ‘07, and 5.9 in December that year. The Oregon seasonally adjusted rate during January was 5.5,up from 5.1 during January ‘07.
The U.S seasonally adjusted rate was 4.9, up from 4.6 during January last year.
