WLKM Radio 95.9 FM
November’s unemployment rate in St. Joseph County was six-tenths of a percent higher than the previous month.
The monthly labor-market analysis by the Michigan Department of Technology, Management and Budget showed the county’s 3.9 percent November unemployment rate marked an increase from October’s 3.3 percent.
St. Joseph County was above the state unemployment average, which was 3.6 percent in November.
The agency said seasonal job cuts in construction and hospitality contributed to the unemployment increase, despite an employment pool that included retail positions related to Christmas.
Allegan County featured the lowest unemployment rate in the region in November, at 2.7 percent.
Meanwhile, St. Joseph County had the highest unemployment rate in the seven-county Southwest Region.
Cass County’s unemployment rate for the month was 3.5 percent.
