As per the data released by the South Carolina Department of Employment and Workforce, the unemployment rate of South Carolina has edged down from 12.2 percent to 11.6 percent. Currently, it is the sixth highest in the nation in terms of unemployment. This happened in spite of the labor force shrinking by 6,200 positions in April.
However, the unemployment rate of the state remains higher than that of the nation, which stands at 9.9 percent. The underemployment rate of South Carolina , that includes the unemployed who have given up searching of jobs, was 19.7 percent.
There has been seasonal growth due to the tourism industry, the government jobs were up by 6,000.
“We are encouraged by this positive news and remain focused on putting South Carolinians back to work,” said John Finan, executive director of the SC Department of Employment and Workforce. The South Carolina Department of Employment and Workforce is the replacement for the South Carolina Security Employment Commission which was basically dissolved after poor performance that resulted in a large amount public criticism.
The construction sector continues to be the biggest loser by losing 2,800 jobs in April. The main provider of jobs in April has been hospitality business that added 8,800 jobs.
For more details on the unemployment claims of the state, you can refer to the unemployment benefits guide of South Carolina.