Unemployment creeping upward despite job hike

Utah’s unemployment rate continues to creep up as the number of jobless increased by two-tenths of a point to 4.0 percent in June, according to the Department of Workforce Services (DWS). The national unemployment rate also rose two-tenths of a point to 4.9 percent in June.

Utah’s unemployment rate continues to creep up as the number of jobless increased by two-tenths of a point to 4.0 percent in June, according to the Department of Workforce Services (DWS). The national unemployment rate also rose two-tenths of a point to 4.9 percent in June.

Meanwhile, Utah continues to add jobs. The state’s nonfarm payroll employment for June grew by an estimated 3.5 percent, adding 48,500 jobs to the economy as compared to June 2015. Utah’s has an estimated 1,427,800 people employed.

Approximately 59,200 Utahns were unemployed in June and actively seeking work. 

“Utah’s economy exhibits all the signs of robust growth and tightening labor markets,” said Carrie Mayne, chief economist at DWS. “Job seekers are responding to business demand by entering the market and searching for work, nudging up the unemployment rate in the midst of an expansion.”

Nine of the 10 private sector industry groups measured in the establishment survey posted net job increases in June as compared to last year, while the natural resources and mining industry decreased by 1,000 positions. The largest private sector employment increases were in trade, transportation and utilities (9,600 jobs); education and health services (8,900 jobs); and leisure and hospitality (8,600 jobs). The fastest employment growth occurred in leisure and hospitality (6.3 percent); construction (6.0 percent); and financial activities (5.8 percent).