Barnwell County’s unemployment rate inched up in July according to information recently released by the South Carolina Department of Employment and Workforce.
The local jobless rate rose from 16.5 percent in June to 16.9 percent in July. Barnwell County is ranked sixth highest in unemployment amongst South Carolina’s 46 counties.
In Allendale County the rate rose from 19 to 19.3 percent for the same time period. Allendale County is ranked third highest in joblessness.
The unemployment rates are below those of a year ago but the numbers reflect a drop in the workforce as well.
In July 2009, Barnwell County had an unemployment rate of 18.5 percent. That was reflected by 1,741 people unemployed in a workforce of 9,387. In July 2010 there were 1,562 people unemployed in a workforce of 9,242. That means that while there was a drop of 145 people from the workforce, there were also 179 fewer people filing for unemployment.
The South Carolina rate rose from 10.7 percent in June to 10.8 percent in July.
Marion County recorded the highest unemployment rate of 19.9 percent. Lexington County has the lowest rate of 8.2 percent.
Nationally, June’s unemployment rate remained at the same 9.5 percent.
“Several sectors of the economy such as retail trade and construction are moving in a lateral motion,” said John L. Finan, executive director of the Dept. of Employment of Workforce. “This continues to affect consumer sentiment which directly affects demand for products and services.”
“As the state’s economy strives to rebound, we remain committed to assisting job seekers in finding employment,” said Finan.