Kentucky Unemployment Up

Jobless up in 61 counties from August 2006 to August 2007 (Frankfort, KY) Unemployment rates rose in 61 Kentucky counties between August 2006 and August 2007, dropped in 45 counties and remained the same in 14 counties, according to the Kentucky Office of Employment and Training, an agency of the Education Cabinet. Woodford County recorded the lowest jobless rate in the commonwealth at 3.8 percent. Other counties with low unemployment rates were Fayette and Warren counties, 4.1 percent each; Henderson County, 4.2 percent; Clark, Franklin, Jessamine and Oldham counties, 4.3 percent; Shelby County, 4.4 percent; and Mason and Scott counties, 4.5 percent each. Jackson County recorded the states highest unemployment rate b 12 percent. It was followed by Magoffin County, 10.3 percent; Clay County, 10 percent; Harlan County 9.8 percent; Wolfe County, 8.9 percent; Muhlenberg and Owsley counties, 8.7 percent each; Leslie County, 8.6 percent; McCreary County, 8.5 percent; and Bell County, 8.4 percent. Unemployment statistics are based on estimates and are compiled to measure trends rather than actually to count people working. Civilian labor force statistics include non-military workers and unemployed Kentuckians who are actively seeking work. They do not include unemployed Kentuckians who have not looked for employment within the past four weeks. The statistics in this news release are not seasonally adjusted to allow for comparisons between United States, state and counties figures. (Copyright 2007 Newsroom Solutions, LLC) Delivered by Newsroom Solutions/Regional News Service RNS-10-01-07 0951CDT