• 73°
franklin county times

County unemployment claims holding steady, below state average

Franklin County’s unemployment rate remained unchanged in November, holding steady at 8.2 percent, which is still below the state average.

Alabama’s overall jobless claims fell to 8.7 percent, which was down from October’s rate of 9.3 percent.

The 8.2 percent figure for Franklin County represents 1,096 county residents.

The statewide unemployment rate represents 187,720 unemployed persons, compared to 201,042 last month and 192,613 in November 2010.

“Everyday we work hard to create jobs and put Alabamians back to work. That is exactly what is happening now in our state,” Gov. Robert Bentley said.

“November’s drop in the unemployment rate shows positive momentum needed at a time when our economy is struggling. We still have a long way to go before we reach full employment, but another month with a decrease in unemployment is certainly a good sign our economy is improving.”

Alabama Department of Industrial Relations Director Tom Surtees added that recent unemployment rate changes are indicative of a new positive trend.

“For the past several months, we’ve seen our unemployment slowly decrease,” Tom Surtees said. “We’re gaining jobs in Alabama –over 38,000 since January alone – and that’s always welcome news.”

Total nonagricultural employment stood at 1,842,100 in January 2011 and at 1,880,700 in October, a gain of 38,600 jobs.

In October, wage and salary employment increased by 4,600 over the month, with the majority of the gains occurring in the trade, transportation, and utilities industry and the education and health services industry.

Active job orders on Alabama’s free online jobs database, www.joblink.alabama.gov, are at their highest point in over four years. There are currently 8,429 active job orders on Joblink.

Counties with the lowest unemployment rates were: Shelby County at 5.4 percent, Coffee County at 6.2 percent and Pike County at 6.6 percent. Counties with the highest unemployment rates were: Wilcox County at 17.8 percent, Perry County at 15.6 percent and Bullock County at 15.5 percent.

In northwest Alabama, unemployment rates were as follows: Lauderdale County at 7.1 percent, Colbert County at 8 percent, Lawrence County at 9 percent, Marion County at 9.5 percent and Winston County at 11.4 percent.

 

 

 

 

News

PHOTOS: West Elementary enjoys color run

Lifestyles

Strawberry farm offers fun u-pick fun

News

PHOTOS: RHS Class of 2023 seniors graduate

Belgreen

PHOTOS: Tharptown, Phil Campbell, Belgreen, Vina, Red Bay seniors graduate

Franklin County

Charles Parrish: Superintendent’s love for school system sees stadium named in his honor

High School Sports

Kiel helps obtain funds for TES bleachers 

News

Area residents among those on ICC honors lists

Franklin County

FC chooses new assistant county engineer 

News

Red Bay’s Weatherford Library gears up for summer reading program

News

NW-SCC students to showcase their art at Tennessee Valley Museum of Art

Franklin County

Tharptown High School rocketry team blasts into second place in nation

News

Vina High School holds Spring Spectacular 

News

RES fifth grade chorus presents “RES Goes Country” 

News

Addie’s Flip Tip and Tap holds 18th annual dance recital

Franklin County

Chucky Mullins: Football legend makes lasting impact

Franklin County

ACA awards foundation scholarship

Franklin County

FCS provides Seamless Summer meal programs

Franklin County

Commission announces voting location changes

News

RPL gears up for summer reading program, other events

News

Russellville benefits from governor’s public safety grant awards

News

Ivey announces grant to upgrade Russellville sewage plant

News

Russellville Electric Board receives risk management award

News

RHS Musical Theatre students perform spring sing

News

Heath Scott, Osteopathic medicine degree

x