LABOR: Unemployment drops 1.9%

Ormond Beach Observer
Business

The Center for Business Excellence reports that unemployment in the region of Volusia and Flagler counties was 1.9% lower this July than in July 2012.

BY THE OBSERVER STAFF

Nonagricultural employment in the Ormond Beach-Daytona Beach-Deltona metro area was up 1.7%, or 2,600 jobs, this year compared to its year-ago rate, according to the Center for Business Excellence. Statewide employment increased 2.1% in the same time period.

In the region of Volusia and Flagler counties, the unemployment rate for July was 7.7%, 1.9% lower than the region's year-ago rate. The state recorded an unemployment rate .3% lower than the region, at 7.4%.

Volusia County's unemployment rate was 7.3%.

Of a 290,631-worker regional labor force, 22,412 residents in Volusia and Flagler are currently unemployed.

Six of the 10 major industries gained jobs over the year, led by trade, transportation and utilities, which added 1,200 jobs. Leisure and hospitality (1,000 jobs); education and health services (700 jobs); mining, logging, and construction and manufacturing (200 jobs each); and professional and business services (100 jobs) also added jobs.

Government and other services lost a combined 800 jobs over the year.