Unemployment decreases

The November unemployment rate in St. Joseph County decreased by six-tenths of a percent compared to a month earlier.

The monthly labor-market analysis by the Michigan Department of Technology, Management and Budget showed St. Joseph County’s 7.2 percent November unemployment rate was more than October’s 7.8 percent.

November’s unemployment figure was 1.3 percent less than the same month a year ago, when the rate was 8.5 percent.

St. Joseph County remained below the state unemployment average, which was 7.8 percent in November.

The agency said more people seeking seasonal jobs contributed to the decrease.

At 5.2 percent, Barry County had the region’s lowest unemployment rate in November, while Hillsdale County had the highest, with 8.6 percent.