News 

• Jan. 28, 2010 - Jobless rates up in 119 counties from December 2008 to December 2009
• Jan. 21, 2010 - Kentucky’s jobless rate increases to 10.7 percent in December
• Dec. 23, 2009 - Jobless rates up in 120 counties from November 2008 to November 2009
• Dec. 17, 2009 - Kentucky’s jobless rate drops to 10.6 percent in November
• Dec. 2, 2009 - State ready to accept claims for latest unemployment extension
• Nov. 25, 2009 - Jobless rates up in 120 counties from October 2008 to October 2009
• Nov. 19, 2009 - Kentucky’s jobless rate increases to 11.2 percent in October
• Nov. 4, 2009 - Vocational Rehabilitation seeks public’s vision for future
• Oct. 26, 2009 - Jobless rates up in 120 counties from September 2008 to September 2009
• Oct. 20, 2009 - Kentucky’s jobless rate drops to 10.9 percent in September

Jan. 28, 2010 - Jobless rates up in 119 counties from December 2008 to December 2009

EDITOR’S NOTE: December’s preliminary and November’s revised county unemployment rate charts are posted at http://workforce.ky.gov/Dec09charts.pdf. Acrobat Reader is required to view charts. To download Acrobat Reader, please see the end of this news release.

FRANKFORT, Ky.  — Unemployment rates rose in 119 Kentucky counties between December 2008 and December 2009, according to the Kentucky Office of Employment and Training, an agency of the Kentucky Education and Workforce Development Cabinet.

Union County, the only county rate to decrease compared to last year, fell from 10.5 percent in December 2008 to 10.1 percent in December 2009. This is the first time since January 2009 that all 120 counties rates have not risen over the same month the previous year.

Fayette County recorded the lowest jobless rate in the Commonwealth at 7.3 percent. It was followed by Woodford County, 7.7 percent; Boyd County, 8 percent; Calloway and Madison counties, 8.2 percent each; Jessamine County, 8.3 percent; Oldham County, 8.4 percent; Scott County, 8.5 percent; and Franklin and Rowan counties, 8.6 percent each.

Magoffin County recorded the state’s highest unemployment rate — 21.4 percent. It was followed by Jackson County, 17.8 percent; Menifee County, 17.5 percent; Powell County, 16.9 percent; Trigg County, 16.5 percent; Grayson County, 16 percent; Bath County, 15.7 percent; Wolfe County, 15.6 percent; Morgan County, 15.1 percent; and Lewis County, 15 percent.

Unemployment statistics are based on estimates and are compiled to measure trends rather than actually to count people working. Civilian labor force statistics include non-military workers and unemployed Kentuckians who are actively seeking work. They do not include unemployed Kentuckians who have not looked for employment within the past four weeks. The statistics in this news release are not seasonally adjusted to allow for comparisons between United States, state and county figures.
 

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Jan. 21, 2010 - Kentucky’s jobless rate increases to 10.7 percent in December

Editor’s Note: Preliminary December and revised November labor market information are included in this release.

FRANKFORT, Ky.  — Kentucky’s seasonally adjusted preliminary unemployment rate rose to 10.7 percent in December 2009 from a revised 10.6 percent in November 2009, according to the Office of Employment and Training (OET), an agency of the Kentucky Education and Workforce Development Cabinet.

December 2009’s jobless rate is 3.1 percentage points higher than the 7.6 percent rate recorded in December 2008 for Kentucky. The 10.7 percent rate recorded in December 2009 is the highest since October 2009 when the unemployment rate reached 11.3 percent.

The U.S. seasonally adjusted jobless rate remained at 10 percent from November 2009 to December 2009, according to the U.S. Department of Labor.

Unemployment statistics are based on estimates and are compiled to measure trends rather than actually to count people working.

Seven of the 11 major nonfarm North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) job sectors reported an employment increase in December 2009, while four decreased, according to OET. An increase of 100 jobs in December 2009 brought Kentucky’s nonfarm employment to a seasonally adjusted total of 1,764,500. Since December 2008, Kentucky’s nonfarm employment has plummeted by 59,300.

According to the seasonally adjusted employment data, Kentucky’s professional and business services sector jumped by 4,900 positions in December 2009. This area has gained 5,900 employees since December 2008. The professional and business services sector includes professional, scientific and technical services, management of companies and administrative and support and waste management, including temporary help agencies.

The government sector, which includes public education, public administration agencies and state-owned hospitals, rose by 700 jobs in December 2009. The sector has 3,600 fewer jobs compared to December 2008.

The financial activities sector increased by 500 positions in December 2009. This segment, which includes businesses involved in finance, insurance, real estate and property leasing or rental, has fallen by 4,700 positions over the past 12 months.

The state’s other services sector, which includes such establishments as repair and maintenance businesses, personal and laundry services, religious organizations and civic and professional organizations, added 300 positions in December 2009. This sector had the same number of jobs in December 2008 and December 2009.

The mining and logging sector gained 200 jobs in December 2009. The sector has added 800 workers since December 2008 because of hiring in the coal mining industry.

The educational and health services sector increased by 200 jobs in December 2009. The sector had 600 more workers in December 2009 than December 2008. This sector includes private and nonprofit establishments that provide either education and training or health care and social assistance to their clients.

The information sector added 100 positions in December 2009. This segment, which includes firms involved in publishing, Internet activities, data processing, broadcasting and news syndication, has decreased by 300 positions since December 2008.

Kentucky’s leisure and hospitality sector dropped by 4,700 jobs in December 2009. Since December 2008, employment in the sector has decreased by 4,800 positions. The leisure and hospitality sector includes arts, entertainment and recreation, accommodations and food services and drinking places industries.

The construction sector lost 1,100 positions in December 2009. Since December 2008, employment in the construction sector has fallen by 13,000 jobs.

Kentucky’s trade, transportation and utilities sector declined by 700 jobs in December 2009. This area includes retail and wholesale trade, transportation and warehousing businesses and utilities. It is the largest sector in Kentucky with 357,900 employees. Since December 2008, the number of jobs in this sector has plunged by 18,400.

Kentucky’s manufacturing sector fell by 300 jobs in December 2009. Compared to December 2008, jobs in the sector plummeted by 21,800.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics’ monthly estimate of the number of employed Kentuckians for December 2009 was 1,840,795 on a seasonally adjusted basis. This figure is down 5,035 from the 1,845,830 employed in November 2009, and down 64,633 from the 1,905,428 employed in December 2008.

The monthly estimate of the number of unemployed Kentuckians for December 2009 was 221,052, up 2,546 from the 218,506 Kentuckians unemployed in November 2009, and up 64,262 from the 156,790 unemployed in December 2008.

The monthly estimate of the number of Kentuckians in the civilian labor force for December 2009 was 2,061,847. This figure is down 2,489 from the 2,064,336 recorded in November 2009, and down 371 from the 2,062,218 recorded in December 2008.

Civilian labor force statistics include non-military workers and unemployed Kentuckians who are actively seeking work. They do not include unemployed Kentuckians who have not looked for employment within the past four weeks.

Kentucky’s statewide unemployment rate and employment levels are seasonally adjusted. Employment statistics undergo sharp fluctuations due to seasonal events, such as weather changes, harvests, holidays and school openings and closings. Seasonal adjustments eliminate these influences and make it easier to observe statistical trends. However, because of the small sample size, county unemployment rates are not seasonally adjusted.

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Dec. 23, 2009 - Jobless rates up in 120 counties from November 2008 to November 2009

EDITOR’S NOTE: November’s preliminary and October’s revised county unemployment rate charts are posted at http://workforce.ky.gov/Nov09charts.pdf. Acrobat Reader is required to view charts. To download Acrobat Reader, please see the end of this news release.

FRANKFORT, Ky.  — Unemployment rates rose in all 120 Kentucky counties between November 2008 and November 2009, according to the Kentucky Office of Employment and Training, an agency of the Kentucky Education and Workforce Development Cabinet.

Fayette County recorded the lowest jobless rate in the Commonwealth at 7.1 percent. It was followed by Calloway County, 7.5 percent; Woodford County, 7.6 percent; Scott County, 8 percent; Boyd, Jessamine and Madison counties, 8.1 percent each; Rowan County, 8.2 percent; Oldham County, 8.3 percent; and Franklin and Ohio counties, 8.5 percent each.

Magoffin County recorded the state’s highest unemployment rate — 21.1 percent. It was followed by Metcalfe County, 18 percent; Jackson County, 16.9 percent; Powell County, 16.6 percent; Trigg County, 15.9 percent; Grayson County, 15.8 percent; Menifee County, 14.4 percent; Wolfe County, 14.2 percent; Lewis County, 13.8 percent; and Edmonson County, 13.7 percent.

Unemployment statistics are based on estimates and are compiled to measure trends rather than actually to count people working. Civilian labor force statistics include non-military workers and unemployed Kentuckians who are actively seeking work. They do not include unemployed Kentuckians who have not looked for employment within the past four weeks. The statistics in this news release are not seasonally adjusted to allow for comparisons between United States, state and county figures.

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Dec. 17, 2009 - Kentucky’s jobless rate drops to 10.6 percent in November

Editor’s Note: Preliminary November and revised October labor market information are included in this release.

FRANKFORT, Ky.  — Kentucky’s seasonally adjusted preliminary unemployment rate declined .7 percentage point to 10.6 percent in November 2009 from a revised 11.3 percent in October 2009, according to the Office of Employment and Training (OET), an agency of the Kentucky Education and Workforce Development Cabinet. November 2009’s jobless rate is 3.4 percentage points higher than the 7.2 percent rate recorded in November 2008.

“Kentucky's economy continued to show signs of stabilization in November 2009. However, individuals who have faced long-term unemployment dropping out of the labor force and a rise in the number of people working part-time for economic reasons contributed to the decline in the unemployment rate,” said Dr. Justine Detzel, OET chief labor market analyst.

The U.S. seasonally adjusted jobless rate decreased from 10.2 percent in October 2009 to 10 percent in November 2009, according to the U.S. Department of Labor. This 10 percent rate is .6 percentage point below the 10.6 percent rate recorded in Kentucky in November 2009.

Unemployment statistics are based on estimates and are compiled to measure trends rather than actually to count people working.

Four of the 11 major nonfarm North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) job sectors reported an employment increase in November 2009, while six decreased and one remained the same, according to OET. A decrease of 4,900 jobs in November 2009 brought Kentucky’s nonfarm employment to a seasonally adjusted total of 1,758,800. Since November 2008, Kentucky’s nonfarm employment has plummeted by 79,300.

“Since the start of the recession in December 2007, nonfarm employment in Kentucky has decreased by 113,600 positions. This marks the 21st month in a row of year-over-year employment decreases and the seventh largest year-over-year drop on records dating back to January 1990,” Detzel said.

According to the seasonally adjusted employment data, Kentucky’s leisure and hospitality sector expanded by 2,000 jobs in November 2009. Since November 2008, employment in the sector has grown by 2,100 positions. The leisure and hospitality sector includes arts, entertainment and recreation, accommodations and food services and drinking places industries.

“The employment gains in November 2009 were concentrated in accommodation and food services enterprises, reflecting a hotel, a beverage service business, and various restaurants opening,” she said.

The professional and business services sector rose by 600 positions in November 2009. This area has lost 1,900 employees since November 2008. The professional and business services sector includes professional, scientific and technical services, management of companies and administrative and support and waste management, including temporary help agencies.

“November 2009 represents the fourth consecutive month of employment increases in professional and business services companies. The job gains are attributed to the professional, scientific and technical services industry, which is indicative of the opening of a computer establishment,” Detzel said.

The government sector, which includes public education, public administration agencies and state-owned hospitals, increased by 200 jobs in November 2009. The sector has 2,800 fewer jobs compared to November 2008.

The information sector added 100 positions in November 2009. This segment, which includes firms involved in publishing, Internet activities, data processing, broadcasting and news syndication, has decreased by 600 positions since November 2008.

The mining and logging sector maintained steady employment in November 2009. The sector has added 400 workers since November 2008 because of hiring in the coal mining industry.

Kentucky’s trade, transportation and utilities sector shrunk by 3,900 jobs in November 2009. This area includes retail and wholesale trade, transportation and warehousing businesses and utilities. It is the largest sector in Kentucky with 357,700 employees. Since November 2008, the number of jobs in this sector has plunged by 21,000.

“Consumers are curtailing non-essential purchases in an effort to make ends meet. As households retrench and rein in discretionary expenditures, transportation enterprises have been forced to cut back,” Detzel said. “Furthermore, retail trade enterprises also suffered job losses in November 2009, reflecting store closings.”

Kentucky’s manufacturing sector lost 1,900 jobs in November 2009. Compared to November 2008, jobs in the sector plummeted by 31,400.

“Industrial employment has dropped in 17 of the last 18 months. While both the durable goods and non-durable goods subsectors have endured decreases in employment, job losses were concentrated in the durable goods subsector, reflecting layoffs at an automobile parts manufacturer, and the closing of another automobile parts producer,” Detzel said.

The state’s other services sector, which includes such establishments as repair and maintenance businesses, personal and laundry services, religious organizations and civic and professional organizations, decreased by 600 positions in November 2009. This sector had 900 fewer jobs in November 2009 than in November 2008.

The construction sector declined by 600 positions in November 2009. Since November 2008, employment in the construction sector has fallen by 17,500 jobs.

“This marks the seventh consecutive month of declining employment in the construction sector, which is a sign of debility in specialty trade contractors and financial difficulties delaying commercial and public works construction projects,” Detzel said.

The financial activities sector fell by 500 positions in November 2009. This segment, which includes businesses involved in finance, insurance, real estate and property leasing or rental, has fallen by 5,500 positions over the past 12 months.

The educational and health services sector dropped by 300 jobs in November 2009. The sector had 200 fewer workers in November 2009 than November 2008. This sector includes private and nonprofit establishments that provide either education and training or health care and social assistance to their clients.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics’ monthly estimate of the number of employed Kentuckians for November 2009 was 1,845,641 on a seasonally adjusted basis. This figure is up 6,836 from the 1,838,805 employed in October 2009, but down 62,191 from the 1,907,832 employed in November 2008.

The monthly estimate of the number of unemployed Kentuckians for November 2009 was 218,674, down 14,712 from the 233,386 Kentuckians unemployed in October 2009, but up 70,923 from the 147,751 unemployed in November 2008.

The monthly estimate of the number of Kentuckians in the civilian labor force for November 2009 was 2,064,315. This figure is down 7,876 from the 2,072,191 recorded in October 2009, but up 8,732 from the 2,055,583 recorded in November 2008.

Civilian labor force statistics include non-military workers and unemployed Kentuckians who are actively seeking work. They do not include unemployed Kentuckians who have not looked for employment within the past four weeks.

Kentucky’s statewide unemployment rate and employment levels are seasonally adjusted. Employment statistics undergo sharp fluctuations due to seasonal events, such as weather changes, harvests, holidays and school openings and closings. Seasonal adjustments eliminate these influences and make it easier to observe statistical trends. However, because of the small sample size, county unemployment rates are not seasonally adjusted.

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Dec. 2, 2009 - State ready to accept claims for latest unemployment extension

FRANKFORT, Ky.  – Kentucky is now accepting claims for the latest Emergency Unemployment Compensation (EUC) extension. Earlier this year, Gov. Steve Beshear pushed Congress for this relief, and President Obama signed the extension into law on Nov. 6. It potentially provides up to 14 additional weeks of federally funded compensation to Kentucky’s unemployed workers who have exhausted their 26 weeks of state benefits and all federally funded benefits provided through the emergency extensions.

“This latest extension has the potential of assisting more than 32,000 Kentuckians who are struggling to provide for their families,” said Gov. Beshear. “This additional compensation will help them endure these challenging times as we all work together to put Kentuckians back to work.”

Eligible claimants may now file online at www.oet.ky.gov and should start receiving checks for these benefits within two weeks.

The nearly 10,000 Kentuckians who have already exhausted all 79 weeks of UI benefits may be eligible for payments retroactive to Nov. 8, 2009. A link will be made available within the online claims application by the end of this week to allow requests of eligible weeks retroactive to that time. Claimants should wait two business days after filing to request payments for prior weeks on the oet.ky.gov Web site.

Those who are currently drawing benefits that will exhaust on or prior to Dec. 26, 2009 will automatically be enrolled in this extension.

The Office of Employment and Training, an agency of Kentucky’s Education and Workforce Development Cabinet, is in the process of identifying and notifying by mail all individuals who are potentially eligible, including those who may be retroactively eligible, for the emergency benefits. The notifications include further information on how to apply and the requirements of these benefits. Details are also available at www.oet.ky.gov.

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EDITOR’S NOTE: October’s preliminary and September’s revised county unemployment rate charts are posted at http://workforce.ky.gov/Oct09charts.pdf.  Acrobat Reader is required to view charts. To download Acrobat Reader, please see the end of this news release.

Nov. 25, 2009 - Jobless rates up in 120 counties from October 2008 to October 2009

FRANKFORT, Ky.  — Unemployment rates rose in all 120 Kentucky counties between October 2008 and October 2009, according to the Kentucky Office of Employment and Training, an agency of the Kentucky Education and Workforce Development Cabinet.

Fayette County recorded the lowest jobless rate in the commonwealth at 7.8 percent. It was followed by Calloway County, 8 percent; Boyd County, 8.4 percent; Jessamine, Madison, Oldham, Rowan and Scott counties, 8.8 percent each; and Daviess and Woodford counties, 8.9 percent each.

Magoffin County recorded the state’s highest unemployment rate — 21.7 percent. It was followed by Jackson County, 17.5 percent; Powell County, 17.1 percent; Grayson County, 16.5 percent; Metcalfe County, 15.8 percent; Trigg County, 15.3 percent; Cumberland County, 15.1 percent; Allen and Wolfe counties, 14.6 percent; and Lewis County, 14.5 percent.

Unemployment statistics are based on estimates and are compiled to measure trends rather than actually to count people working. Civilian labor force statistics include non-military workers and unemployed Kentuckians who are actively seeking work. They do not include unemployed Kentuckians who have not looked for employment within the past four weeks. The statistics in this news release are not seasonally adjusted to allow for comparisons between United States, state and county figures.

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Nov. 19, 2009 - Kentucky’s jobless rate increases to 11.2 percent in October

Editor’s Note: Preliminary October and revised September labor market information are included in this release.

FRANKFORT, Ky.  — Kentucky’s seasonally adjusted preliminary unemployment rate rose to 11.2 percent in October 2009 from a revised 10.9 percent in September 2009, according to the Office of Employment and Training (OET), an agency of the Kentucky Education and Workforce Development Cabinet. October 2009’s jobless rate is 4.3 percentage points higher than the 6.9 percent rate recorded in October 2008, and it matches the rate that Kentucky had in August 2009.

“The Kentucky economy showed some signs of improvement in October 2009. However, the increase in nonfarm employment is indicative of temporary hiring and strength in the employment services industry,” said Dr. Justine Detzel, OET chief labor market analyst.

The U.S. seasonally adjusted jobless rate increased from 9.8 percent in September 2009 to 10.2 percent in October 2009, according to the U.S. Department of Labor. This 10.2 percent rate is 1 percentage point below the 11.2 percent rate recorded in Kentucky in October 2009.

Unemployment statistics are based on estimates and are compiled to measure trends rather than actually to count people working.

Seven of the 11 major nonfarm North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) job sectors reported an employment increase in October 2009, while four decreased, according to OET. An increase of 2,900 jobs in October 2009 brought Kentucky’s nonfarm employment to a seasonally adjusted total of 1,762,900. Since October 2008, Kentucky’s nonfarm employment has plummeted by 81,900.

“This represents an easing in the employment losses in Kentucky’s economy, which has hemorrhaged jobs in 19 months since the recession commenced in December 2007. Since the start of the recession, nonfarm employment in Kentucky has decreased by 109,500 positions,” Detzel said.

According to the seasonally adjusted employment data, Kentucky’s professional and business services sector surged by 5,000 positions in October 2009. This area has lost 1,800 employees since October 2008. The professional and business services sector includes professional, scientific and technical services, management of companies and administrative and support and waste management, including temporary help agencies.

“The job gains are concentrated in the administrative and support services industry, reflecting temporary hiring at a document processing center, the opening of a call center, and strength in the employment services industry,” Detzel said.

The government sector, which includes public education, public administration agencies and state-owned hospitals, climbed by 1,200 jobs in October 2009. The sector has 3,100 fewer jobs compared to October 2008.

The financial activities sector gained 700 positions in October 2009. This segment, which includes businesses involved in finance, insurance, real estate and property leasing or rental, has fallen by 4,000 positions over the past 12 months.

“The employment increase in this sector is a sign of hiring at real estate enterprises and an insurance company. Over the last month, real estate and rental and leasing businesses experienced an increase of 300 employees, which is indicative of an easing in the housing slump,” Detzel said.

The state’s leisure and hospitality sector reported an employment increase of 300 jobs in October 2009. Since October 2008, employment in the sector has declined by 1,600 positions. The leisure and hospitality sector includes arts, entertainment and recreation, accommodations and food services and drinking places industries.

Kentucky’s trade, transportation and utilities sector added 200 jobs in October 2009. This area includes retail and wholesale trade, transportation and warehousing businesses and utilities. It is the largest sector in Kentucky with 362,200 employees. Since October 2008, the number of jobs in this sector has fallen by 18,600.

“This represents the first increase in employment in the trade, transportation, and utilities sector since April 2009. The job gains are concentrated in retail trade enterprises, reflecting multiple store openings and an expansion at a different retailer,” Detzel said.

The mining and logging sector had 100 more jobs in October 2009. The sector has added 400 workers since October 2008 because of hiring in the coal mining industry.

The construction sector rose by 100 positions in October 2009. Since October 2008, employment in the construction sector has fallen by 17,600 jobs.

The state’s other services sector, which includes such establishments as repair and maintenance businesses, personal and laundry services, religious organizations and civic and professional organizations, fell by 2,200 positions in October 2009. This sector had 2,600 fewer jobs in October 2009 than in October 2008.

Kentucky’s manufacturing sector lost 2,000 jobs in October 2009. Compared to October 2008, jobs in the sector plummeted by 32,900.

“This marks the 16th time in the last 17 months industrial employment has fallen. Job losses are attributed to the durable goods subsector, which is indicative of layoffs at a number of automobile parts manufacturers, and the closings of another automobile parts producer and a durable goods plant,” Detzel said.

The educational and health services sector dropped by 400 jobs in October 2009. The sector had 600 more workers in October 2009 than October 2008. This sector includes private and nonprofit establishments that provide either education and training or health care and social assistance to their clients.

“The employment losses were evenly distributed between educational services enterprises and health care and social assistance businesses. The decrease in the number of jobs in the educational services industry is a sign of budget constraints and declines in endowment funds during difficult economic times,” Detzel said.

The information sector dropped by 100 positions in October 2009. This segment, which includes firms involved in publishing, Internet activities, data processing, broadcasting and news syndication, has decreased by 700 positions since October 2008.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics’ monthly estimate of the number of employed Kentuckians for October 2009 was 1,838,433 on a seasonally adjusted basis. This figure is down 3,635 from the 1,842,068 employed in September 2009, and down 71,458 from the 1,909,891 employed in October 2008.

The monthly estimate of the number of unemployed Kentuckians for October 2009 was 232,488, up 6,843 from the 225,645 Kentuckians unemployed in September 2009, and up 91,330 from the 141,158 unemployed in October 2008.

The monthly estimate of the number of Kentuckians in the civilian labor force for October 2009 was 2,070,921. This figure is up 3,208 from the 2,067,713 recorded in September 2009, and up 19,872 from the 2,051,049 recorded in October 2008.

Civilian labor force statistics include non-military workers and unemployed Kentuckians who are actively seeking work. They do not include unemployed Kentuckians who have not looked for employment within the past four weeks.

Kentucky’s statewide unemployment rate and employment levels are seasonally adjusted. Employment statistics undergo sharp fluctuations due to seasonal events, such as weather changes, harvests, holidays and school openings and closings. Seasonal adjustments eliminate these influences and make it easier to observe statistical trends. However, because of the small sample size, county unemployment rates are not seasonally adjusted.


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Nov. 4, 2009 - Vocational Rehabilitation seeks public’s vision for future

FRANKFORT, Ky.  – The Kentucky Office of Vocational Rehabilitation (OVR) has scheduled visioning forums to give individuals with disabilities, advocates and other interested individuals an opportunity to provide feedback on the services OVR provides to Kentuckians with disabilities. Input from the visioning forums will be used to help develop the state plan that the agency is required to submit to the Rehabilitation Services Administration. The visioning forums schedule follows. (All times local)

• Owensboro: 4-6 p.m., Dec. 1; Owensboro Technical College Campus, 1501 Frederica St.
• Louisville: 4 - 6 p.m., Dec. 2; Center for Accessible Living, Board Room, 305 W. Broadway, Suite 200
• Lexington: 4 - 6 p.m., Dec. 8; Northside Library, Large Conference Room, 1737 Russell Cave Road
• Florence: 5-7 p.m., Dec. 10; One-Stop Career Alliance of N. KY, Board Room, 8020 Veterans Memorial Drive

Kentuckians who are unable to attend a forum may send comments in any format (written, taped, phone call, etc.) to David Beach at 275 East Main St., Mail Drop 2EK, Frankfort, KY 40621 or 800-372-7172 by Dec. 10, 2009. Comments may also be submitted through the Internet at http://www.ovr.ky.gov. If reasonable accommodations are needed for your participation at the forum, please call David Beach at 800-372-7172 at least one week prior to the forum you wish to attend.

The Office of Vocational Rehabilitation, an agency of the Kentucky Education and Workforce Development Cabinet’s Department of Workforce Investment, assists Kentuckians with disabilities to achieve gainful employment and independence. For more information about services, call the office toll free at 1-800-372-7172 or visit the OVR Web site at www.ovr.ky.gov.

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Oct. 26, 2009 - Jobless rates up in 120 counties from September 2008 to September 2009

EDITOR’S NOTE: September’s preliminary and August’s revised county unemployment rate charts are posted at http://workforce.ky.gov/Sept09charts.pdf. Acrobat Reader is required to view charts. To download Acrobat Reader, please see the end of this news release.

FRANKFORT, Ky. (Oct. 26, 2009) — Unemployment rates rose in all 120 Kentucky counties between September 2008 and September 2009, according to the Kentucky Office of Employment and Training, an agency of the Kentucky Education and Workforce Development Cabinet.
Fayette County recorded the lowest jobless rate in the commonwealth at 7.7 percent. It was followed by Calloway County, 8 percent; Boyd and Woodford counties, 8.3 percent each; Oldham and Rowan counties, 8.6 percent each; Madison County, 8.7 percent; Jessamine and Webster counties, 8.8 percent each; and Clinton County, 9 percent.
Magoffin County recorded the state’s highest unemployment rate — 21.4 percent. It was followed by Jackson County, 17.5 percent; Powell County, 16.7 percent; Grayson County, 16.4 percent; Trigg County, 16 percent; Metcalfe County, 15.8 percent; Lewis County, 15.1 percent; Menifee County, 14.7 percent; Morgan County, 14.5 percent; and Fulton County, 14.4 percent.
Unemployment statistics are based on estimates and are compiled to measure trends rather than actually to count people working. Civilian labor force statistics include non-military workers and unemployed Kentuckians who are actively seeking work. They do not include unemployed Kentuckians who have not looked for employment within the past four weeks. The statistics in this news release are not seasonally adjusted to allow for comparisons between United States, state and county figures.

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Oct. 20, 2009 - Kentucky’s jobless rate drops to 10.9 percent in September

Editor’s Note: Preliminary September and revised August labor market information are included in this release.


FRANKFORT, Ky.  — Kentucky’s seasonally adjusted preliminary unemployment rate fell to 10.9 percent in September 2009 from a revised 11.2 percent in August 2009, according to the Office of Employment and Training (OET), an agency of the Kentucky Education and Workforce Development Cabinet. September 2009’s jobless rate is 4 percentage points higher than the 6.9 percent rate recorded in September 2008.

“Kentucky's economy continued to struggle under the weight of the recession, suffering the biggest monthly employment decline and the largest number of year-over-year job losses on records dating back to January 1990. The drop in the unemployment rate reflects individuals who have faced long-term unemployment becoming discouraged and dropping out of the labor force,” said Dr. Justine Detzel, OET chief labor market analyst.

The U.S. seasonally adjusted jobless rate rose from 9.7 percent in August 2009 to 9.8 percent in September 2009, according to the U.S. Department of Labor. This 9.8 percent rate is 1.1 percentage points below the 10.9 percent rate recorded in Kentucky in September 2009.

Unemployment statistics are based on estimates and are compiled to measure trends rather than actually to count people working.

One of the 11 major nonfarm North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) job sectors reported an employment increase in September 2009, while 10 decreased, according to OET. A decrease of 14,600 jobs in September 2009 brought Kentucky’s nonfarm employment to a seasonally adjusted total of 1,758,600. Since September 2008, Kentucky’s nonfarm employment has plummeted by 86,400.

“This represents the largest monthly employment decline on records dating back to January 1990 and the 19th month of job losses since the recession commenced in December 2007,” Detzel said. “Since the start of the recession, employment in Kentucky has decreased by 113,800 positions.”

According to the seasonally adjusted employment data, Kentucky’s construction sector added 400 positions in September 2009. Since September 2008, employment in the construction sector has fallen by 16,500 jobs.

“This is the first increase in the number of jobs in the construction sector since April 2009, reflecting the start of multiple commercial and public works construction projects,” said Detzel.

The government sector, which includes public education, public administration agencies and state-owned hospitals, plummeted by 6,400 jobs in September 2009. The sector has 4,500 fewer jobs compared to September 2008.

“This represents the sixth time in the last eight months employment in the public sector has dropped. The decline in the number of professionals is indicative of the budget crisis facing Kentucky and reflects a decrease in the number of jobs in the state government and local government subsectors, including cutbacks at public schools,” Detzel said.

The state’s leisure and hospitality sector reported an employment decrease of 1,800 jobs in September 2009. Since September 2008, employment in the sector has declined by 600 positions. The leisure and hospitality sector includes arts, entertainment and recreation, accommodations and food services and drinking places industries.

“Year-over-year employment losses in the accommodation and food services industry outweighed year-over-year job gains in arts, entertainment, and recreation businesses which included the openings of multiple recreation and entertainment facilities and two new spectator sports teams,” Detzel said.

The financial activities sector dropped by 1,600 positions in September 2009. This segment, which includes businesses involved in finance, insurance, real estate and property leasing or rental, has fallen by 4,900 positions over the past 12 months.

Kentucky’s trade, transportation and utilities sector lost 1,600 jobs in September 2009. This area includes retail and wholesale trade, transportation and warehousing businesses and utilities. It is the largest sector in Kentucky with 362,800 employees. Since September 2008, the number of jobs in this sector has fallen by 18,300.

“Year-over-year job losses are predominantly in transportation, warehousing, and utilities businesses. However, wholesale trade establishments and retail trade enterprises have also endured significant employment declines since September 2008. As households tightened their belts over the last year, retailers suffered declining sales, enacted layoffs, and closed underperforming stores. Likewise, wholesalers suffered layoffs as weak demand for products trickled back through the supply chain,” Detzel said.

The state’s professional and business services sector fell by 1,200 positions in September 2009. This area has lost 9,400 employees since September 2008. The professional and business services sector includes professional, scientific and technical services, management of companies and administrative and support and waste management, including temporary help agencies.

Kentucky’s manufacturing sector lost 1,100 jobs in September 2009. Compared to September 2008, jobs in the sector plummeted by 31,500.

“The manufacturing sector lost 1,100 jobs in September 2009, for a total of 208,900 professionals. This marks the 15th time in the last 16 months that industrial employment has fallen. Job losses were concentrated in the durable goods subsector, reflecting layoffs at a number of automobile parts manufacturers, the closing of another automobile parts producer, and the closing of a durable goods plant,” Detzel said.

The educational and health services sector dropped by 1,000 jobs in September 2009. The sector had 500 fewer workers in September 2009 than September 2008. This sector includes private and nonprofit establishments that provide either education and training or health care and social assistance to their clients.

The state’s other services sector, which includes such establishments as repair and maintenance businesses, personal and laundry services, religious organizations and civic and professional organizations, fell by 100 positions in September 2009. This sector had 200 fewer jobs in September 2009 than in September 2008.

The information sector dropped by 100 positions in September 2009. This segment, which includes firms involved in publishing, Internet activities, data processing, broadcasting and news syndication, has decreased by 700 positions since September 2008.

The mining and logging sector had 100 fewer jobs in September 2009. The sector has added 700 workers since September 2008 because of hiring in the coal mining industry.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics’ monthly estimate of the number of employed Kentuckians for September 2009 was 1,842,078 on a seasonally adjusted basis. This figure is up 5,026 from the 1,837,052 employed in August 2009, but down 66,051 from the 1,908,129 employed in September 2008.

The monthly estimate of the number of unemployed Kentuckians for September 2009 was 225,214, down 5,486 from the 230,700 Kentuckians unemployed in August 2009, but up 84,089 from the 141,125 unemployed in September 2008.

The monthly estimate of the number of Kentuckians in the civilian labor force for September 2009 was 2,067,292. This figure is down 460 from the 2,067,752 recorded in August 2009, but up 18,038 from the 2,049,254 recorded in September 2008.

Civilian labor force statistics include non-military workers and unemployed Kentuckians who are actively seeking work. They do not include unemployed Kentuckians who have not looked for employment within the past four weeks.

Kentucky’s statewide unemployment rate and employment levels are seasonally adjusted. Employment statistics undergo sharp fluctuations due to seasonal events, such as weather changes, harvests, holidays and school openings and closings. Seasonal adjustments eliminate these influences and make it easier to observe statistical trends. However, because of the small sample size, county unemployment rates are not seasonally adjusted.


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