News 

• May 1, 2008 - Governor proclaims May OVR Job Placement Month

• April 29, 2008 - Jobless rates up in 86 counties from March 2007 to March 2008

• April 23, 2008 - Education Cabinet interactive site named “Best of Kentucky” award winner

• April 23, 2008 - Kentucky’s March jobless rate increases to 5.7 percent

• April 7, 2008 - Jobless rates down in 99 counties from February 2007 to February 2008

• April 2, 2008 - Kentucky’s February jobless rate unchanged at 5.2 percent

• March 31, 2008 - Annual jobless rates lower in 93 Kentucky counties in 2007 compared to 2006

• March 11, 2008 - Jobless rates down in 88 counties from January 2007 to January 2008

• March 5, 2008 - Kentucky’s January jobless rate falls to 5.2 percent

• March 3, 2008 - Office for the Blind seeks public input

• Feb. 27, 2008 - Kentucky’s annual unemployment rate falls to 5.5 percent for 2007

May 1, 2008 - Governor proclaims May OVR Job Placement Month

FRANKFORT, Ky.  — Governor Steve Beshear has proclaimed May Office of Vocational Rehabilitation (OVR) Job Placement Month. In addition to Governor Beshear’s proclamation, OVR is dedicating this month to Gina Hughes, a long-time Frankfort administrator, who died in October 2007 after a lengthy battle with cancer.

OVR Job Placement Director Robin Ritter said Hughes was dedicated to helping persons with disabilities seek employment. “She was a dear friend, who throughout her many years of service to the consumers of OVR showed a special devotion to job placement,” Ritter said. “Gina was a counselor in Richmond and Lexington as well as a job placement specialist and field administrator in Frankfort. She valued the rights, worth and dignity of all persons with disabilities and demonstrated this daily.”

Job placement is a statewide service of OVR that helps match qualified job seekers with employers. The activities that are planned for May will recognize and celebrate employer partnerships, placement activities and accomplishments of persons with disabilities in the workforce.

The Office of Vocational Rehabilitation, an agency of the Education Cabinet’s Department for Workforce Investment, assists Kentuckians with disabilities to achieve gainful employment and independence. For more information about services, call the department toll free at 1-800-372-7172 or at 1-888-420-9874 (TDD) or visit the OVR Web site at www.ovr.ky.gov.

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April 29, 2008 - Jobless rates up in 86 counties from March 2007 to March 2008

EDITOR’S NOTE: March’s preliminary and February’s revised county unemployment rate charts are posted at http://workforce.ky.gov/March08chart.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 86 Kentucky counties between March 2007 and March 2008, fell in 31 counties and remained the same in three counties, according to the Kentucky Office of Employment and Training, an agency of the Education Cabinet.

Woodford County recorded the lowest jobless rate in the commonwealth at 4.2 percent. Other counties with low unemployment rates were Fayette County, 4.4 percent; Oldham, Shelby and Warren counties, 4.9 percent each; Scott County, 5 percent; Daviess County, 5.1 percent; Jessamine and Madison counties, 5.2 percent each; and Boone, McCracken and Mason counties, 5.3 percent each.

Jackson County recorded the state’s highest unemployment rate — 12.3 percent. It was followed by Menifee County, 10.9 percent; Magoffin County, 10.8 percent; Clay and Morgan counties, 10.7 percent each; Wolfe County, 10.6 percent; Lewis County, 10.2 percent; Grayson and McCreary counties, 9.9 percent each; and Bath County, 9.8 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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April 23, 2008 - Education Cabinet interactive site named “Best of Kentucky” award winner


LEXINGTON, Ky. (April 23, 2008) — The Web application e3.ky.gov, developed in-house by Education Cabinet staff, was named the “Best of Kentucky” for “Best Application Serving the Public” at the Kentucky Digital Government Summit held April 22, 2008 at the Embassy Suites in Lexington.

The e3.ky.gov site is a self-service information portal for education, economic development and employment figures. Most data can be displayed by zip code, community, county, Workforce Investment Area or statewide. Access to the site is free and available to anyone. To date the site averages more than one million hits per month. International hits have been tracked to more than 30 countries.

“I am thrilled that e3.ky.gov is being recognized as among the ‘Best of Kentucky,’” said Education Cabinet Secretary Helen Mountjoy. “This resource is a prime example of how linkages among education and economic development benefit the entire commonwealth. If you are a student, job seeker, employer, career counselor, educator or legislator, e3.ky.gov puts the data you need to make your decisions at your fingertips and at your convenience.”

Launched in 2007, www.e3.ky.gov offers a broad array of government resources to the public. It allows employers to post job listings, review resumes, profile a community’s workforce, view educational attainment demographics, find information on tax incentives or evaluate locations for a new/expanding business. Employers can search resumes geographically from areas ranging from zip code to statewide from the convenience of their desktop. Job seekers can post resumes, view job openings, and research companies and communities before an interview. Students can search for careers to see the education required and location and availability in those fields.

Also showcased on e3.ky.gov is data for General Educational Development (GED) diplomas, Kentucky Employability Certificates, Kentucky Manufacturing Skill Standards, and all degrees issued by Kentucky’s postsecondary institutions. In addition, users can find detailed descriptions of curricula, certifications and degrees at postsecondary institutions and links to colleges and universities.

The site provides labor market data from the U.S. Census Bureau and information on Kentucky payrolls, earnings, turnover rates, new hires and other indicators by geographic areas. In addition, the county-to-county commuting patterns of workers are included.

Purchasing software containing only partial functionality of e3.ky.gov would cost more than $10 million. The investment in this resource is less than $1 million, including development costs, licensing, market research and professional art package design.

The e3.ky.gov site is co-sponsored by Kentucky Adult Education and the Office of Employment and Training. It was developed by the Kentucky Education Cabinet’s Division of Technology Services.
 

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April 23, 2008 - Kentucky’s March jobless rate increases to 5.7 percent

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

FRANKFORT, Ky.  — Kentucky’s seasonally adjusted preliminary unemployment rate for March 2008 rose to 5.7 percent from February 2008’s revised 5.3 percent, according to the Office of Employment and Training (OET), an agency of the Kentucky Education Cabinet. March 2007’s jobless rate was 5.6 percent.

The U.S. seasonally adjusted jobless rate increased from 4.8 percent in February 2008 to 5.1 percent in March 2008, 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.

Three of the 11 major nonfarm job North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) sectors reported employment increases in March 2008, while eight decreased, according to OET. An increase of 700 jobs in March 2008 brought Kentucky’s nonfarm employment to a seasonally adjusted total of 1,881,200. Since March 2007, Kentucky’s nonfarm employment has risen by 18,500.

“The housing, credit, and financial sector crises are taking a toll on the Kentucky economy, resulting in an increase in the unemployment rate for March 2008. Even though individuals dropped out of the labor force, there was a rise in the unemployment level and a decline in the employment level in March 2008. This suggests that individuals are having an extremely difficult time finding a job that matches their skills,” said Justine Detzel, OET chief labor market analyst.

According to the seasonally adjusted employment data, the manufacturing sector added 2,700 jobs in March 2008. Compared to March 2007, jobs in the sector were down by 2,300 in March 2008.

“This is the first increase in manufacturing employment in the last four months. The durable goods subsector accounted for the majority of these job gains. This employment increase reflects employees at a major manufacturer returning to work after a layoff,” Detzel said.

“The year-over-year employment decrease in manufacturing is concentrated in the non-durable goods subsector. Cash-strapped consumers are continuing to reduce discretionary purchases such as clothing in an effort to make ends meet,” she said.

The number of jobs in the professional and business services sector rose by 1,300 in March 2008. This area had 3,200 more employees in March 2008 than in March 2007. The professional and business services sector includes professional, scientific and technical services, management of companies, and administrative and support management, including temporary help agencies.

The government sector, which includes public education, public administration agencies, and state-owned hospitals, added 500 positions in March 2008. Since March 2007, this sector has risen by 7,900 jobs.

The trade, transportation and utilities sector declined by 800 jobs in March 2008. This area includes retail and wholesale trade, transportation and warehousing businesses, and utilities, and it is the largest sector in Kentucky with 390,800 employees. Since March 2007, the number of jobs in this sector has jumped by 3,900.

Kentucky’s leisure and hospitality sector fell by 800 jobs in March 2008. Since March 2007, employment in the sector has increased by 2,400 positions. The leisure and hospitality sector includes arts, entertainment and recreation, accommodations, and food services and drinking places industries.

Kentucky’s educational and health services sector lost 500 jobs in March 2008. Since last March, this segment has grown by 400 jobs. 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 reported 500 fewer jobs in March 2008. This segment, which includes firms involved in publishing, Internet activities, and broadcasting and news syndication, has gained 200 positions since March 2007.

The employment figure in the natural resources and mining sector fell by 300 jobs from February 2008 to March 2008. Since March 2007, the segment has lost 600 jobs.

The construction sector recorded 300 fewer positions in March 2008. Since March 2007, employment in this sector has increased by 1,000 positions.

The number of jobs in the financial activities sector decreased by 300 in March 2008. This segment, which includes businesses involved in finance, insurance, real estate and property leasing or rental, has added 1,600 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, fell by 300 jobs in March 2008. This area had 800 more jobs in March 2008 than in March 2007.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics’ monthly estimate of the number of employed Kentuckians for March 2008 was 1,924,233 on a seasonally adjusted basis. This figure is down 13,028 from the 1,937,261 employed in February 2008, and down 5,428 from the 1,929,661 employed in March 2007.

The monthly estimate of the number of unemployed Kentuckians for March 2008 was 115,326, up 7,868 from the 107,458 Kentuckians unemployed in February 2008, and up 841 from the 114,485 unemployed in March 2007.

The monthly estimate of the number of Kentuckians in the civilian labor force for March 2008 was 2,039,559. This figure is down 5,160 from the 2,044,719 recorded in February 2008, and down 4,587 from the 2,044,146 recorded for March 2007.

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.

A complementary experimental hours and earnings series is available at http://www.bls.gov/sae/saeaepp.htm.

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April 7, 2008 - Jobless rates down in 99 counties from February 2007 to February 2008

EDITORS NOTE: February’s preliminary and January’s revised county unemployment rate charts are posted at http://workforce.ky.gov/Feb08chart.pdf.  Acrobat Reader is required to view charts. To download Acrobat Reader, please see the end of this news release.

FRANKFORT, Ky.  — Unemployment rates fell in 99 Kentucky counties between February 2007 and February 2008, rose in 18 counties and remained the same in three counties, according to the Kentucky Office of Employment and Training, an agency of the Education Cabinet.

Woodford County recorded the lowest jobless rate in the commonwealth at 4.3 percent. Other counties with low unemployment rates were Fayette County, 4.5 percent; Warren County, 4.8 percent; Oldham County, 4.9 percent; Boone County, 5 percent; Madison and Scott counties, 5.1 percent each; Jessamine and Shelby counties, 5.2 percent each; and Campbell County, 5.3 percent.

Jackson County recorded the state’s highest unemployment rate — 12.1 percent. It was followed by Menifee County, 11.6 percent; Magoffin County, 11.5 percent; Morgan County, 11.3 percent; Clay County, 11.1 percent; Wolfe County, 10.9 percent; Bath County, 10.3 percent; Grayson and Lewis counties, 10.2 percent each; and Lawrence County, 9.6 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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April 2, 2008 - Kentucky’s February jobless rate unchanged at 5.2 percent
 

Editor’s Note: Preliminary February and revised January labor market information is included in this release.

FRANKFORT, Ky.  — Kentucky’s seasonally adjusted preliminary unemployment rate for February 2008 remained at January 2008’s revised 5.2 percent level, according to the Office of Employment and Training (OET), an agency of the Kentucky Education Cabinet. February 2007’s jobless rate was 5.7 percent.

The U.S. seasonally adjusted jobless rate fell from 4.9 percent in January 2008 to 4.8 percent in February 2008, 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.

Five of the 11 major nonfarm job North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) sectors reported employment increases in February 2008, while five decreased, and one was unchanged, according to OET. A decrease of 400 jobs in February 2008 brought Kentucky’s nonfarm employment to a seasonally adjusted total of 1,881,100. Since February 2007, Kentucky’s nonfarm employment has risen by 22,100.

“Kentucky's economy showed its resiliency as the unemployment rate held steady in February. However, there was a significant decrease in the civilian labor force in the last month. The overall decline in the civilian labor force likely resulted from a combination of factors including seasonal workers leaving the labor force at the end of the holiday season and individuals becoming discouraged and dropping out of the labor force,” said Justine Detzel, OET chief labor market analyst.

According to the seasonally adjusted employment data, jobs in the financial activities sector rose by 900 in February 2008. This segment, which includes businesses involved in finance, insurance, real estate and property leasing or rental, has added 2,500 positions over the past 12 months.

The construction sector recorded 700 more positions in February 2008 than in January 2008. Since February 2007, employment in this sector has increased by 5,600 positions.

The government sector, which includes public education, public administration agencies, and state-owned hospitals, added 500 jobs in February 2008. Since February 2007, this sector has risen by 8,000 jobs.

Kentucky’s trade, transportation and utilities sector had 400 more jobs in February 2008. This area includes retail and wholesale trade, transportation and warehousing businesses, and utilities, and it is the largest sector in Kentucky with 391,100 employees. Since February 2007, the number of jobs in this sector has jumped by 6,100.

The employment figure in the natural resources and mining sector rose by 200 jobs from January 2008 to February 2008. Since February 2007, the segment has lost 400 jobs.

The information sector reported the same number of jobs in January 2008 and February 2008. This segment, which includes firms involved in publishing, Internet activities, and broadcasting and news syndication, has gained 800 positions since February 2007.

Kentucky’s leisure and hospitality sector fell by 1,300 jobs in February 2008. Since February 2007, employment in the sector has increased by 3,600 positions. The leisure and hospitality sector includes arts, entertainment and recreation, accommodations, and food services and drinking places industries.

For the third month in a row, the manufacturing sector experienced employment losses. Between January 2008 and February 2008, the number of manufacturing jobs decreased by 500. Compared to February 2007, jobs in the sector were down by 8,800 in February 2008.

“The non-durable goods subsector accounted for the majority of employment losses from January 2008 to February 2008. Cash-strapped consumers, squeezed by higher food and energy prices, tighter credit conditions and declining household wealth, are reducing discretionary purchases in an effort to make ends meet,” said Detzel.

“The year-over-year employment decrease in manufacturing is concentrated in the durable goods subsector. However, both the durable goods and non-durable goods subsectors experienced sizable employment losses. Consumers have become reluctant to reach into their wallets and purchase big-ticket items such as automobiles,” she said.

The number of jobs in the professional and business services sector dropped by 500 in February 2008. This area had 1,900 more employees in February 2008 than in February 2007. The professional and business services sector includes professional, scientific and technical services, management of companies, and administrative and support management, including temporary help agencies.

Kentucky’s educational and health services sector lost 500 jobs in February 2008. Since last February, this segment has gained 1,300 jobs. 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 300 jobs in February 2008. This area had 1,500 more jobs in February 2008 than in February 2007.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics’ monthly estimate of the number of employed Kentuckians for February 2008 was 1,937,171 on a seasonally adjusted basis. This figure is down 8,532 from the 1,945,703 employed in January 2008, but up 8,878 from the 1,928,293 employed in February 2007.

The monthly estimate of the number of unemployed Kentuckians for February 2008 was 106,958, down 736 from the 107,694 Kentuckians unemployed in January 2008, and down 9,418 from the 116,376 unemployed in February 2007.

The monthly estimate of the number of Kentuckians in the civilian labor force for February 2008 was 2,044,129. This figure is down 9,268 from the 2,053,397 recorded in January 2008, and down 540 from the 2,044,669 recorded for February 2007.

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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March 31, 2008 - Annual jobless rates lower in 93 Kentucky counties in 2007 compared to 2006

EDITORS NOTE: 2007 county unemployment rate charts are posted at http://workforce.ky.gov/Ann2007chart.pdf.pdf. Acrobat Reader is required to view charts. To download Acrobat Reader, please see the end of this news release.

FRANKFORT, Ky.  — Ninety-three Kentucky counties posted lower annual unemployment rates in 2007 than in 2006, while 21 counties were higher, and six counties were the same, according to the Kentucky Office of Employment and Training in the Kentucky Education Cabinet.
In 2007, three Kentucky counties had an annual jobless rate at or above 10 percent compared to four counties that recorded double-digit rates in 2006.

Woodford County’s 3.9 percent annual jobless rate was the lowest in the commonwealth in 2007. Other low rates also were recorded in Fayette County, 4 percent; Warren County, 4.3 percent; Scott County, 4.4 percent; Boone, Franklin and Jessamine counties, 4.5 percent each; Mason County, 4.7 percent; Kenton, Madison, Oldham and Shelby counties, 4.8 percent each.

Jackson County recorded the state’s highest annual unemployment rate in 2007 — 13.9 percent. It was followed by Clay County, 10.8 percent; Magoffin County, 10.5 percent; Wolfe County, 9.9 percent; Owsley County, 9.4 percent; McCreary County, 9.2 percent; Harlan County, 9.1 percent; Leslie and Morgan counties, 8.8 percent each; and Menifee County, 8.7 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 counties figures.

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March 11, 2008 - Jobless rates down in 88 counties from January 2007 to January 2008
 

EDITORS NOTE: January county unemployment rate charts are posted at http://workforce.ky.gov/Jan08charts.pdf. Acrobat Reader is required to view charts. To download Acrobat Reader, please see the end of this news release.

FRANKFORT, Ky.  — Unemployment rates fell in 88 Kentucky counties between January 2007 and January 2008, rose in 24 counties and remained the same in eight counties, according to the Kentucky Office of Employment and Training, an agency of the Education Cabinet.

Fayette and Woodford counties recorded the lowest jobless rates in the commonwealth at 4.2 percent each. Other counties with low unemployment rates were Warren County, 4.6 percent; Boone and Jessamine counties, 4.8 percent each; Madison and Scott counties, 4.9 percent each; Bourbon and Boyd counties, 5.1 percent each; and Henderson and Union counties, 5.2 percent each.

Jackson County recorded the state’s highest unemployment rate — 12.1 percent. It was followed by Magoffin County, 11.2 percent; Menifee County, 10.9 percent; Clay County, 10.4 percent; Morgan County, 10.1 percent; Wolfe County, 10 percent; Bath County, 9.7 percent; Lewis County, 9.6 percent; and Harlan and Lawrence counties, 9.4 percent each.

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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March 5, 2008 - Kentucky’s January jobless rate falls to 5.2 percent

FRANKFORT, Ky.  — Kentucky’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate decreased from 5.3 percent in December 2007 to 5.2 percent in January 2008, according to the Office of Employment and Training (OET), an agency of the Kentucky Education Cabinet. January 2007’s jobless rate was 5.7 percent.

The U.S. seasonally adjusted jobless rate fell from 5 percent in December 2007 to 4.9 percent in January 2008, 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.

Four of the 11 major nonfarm job North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) sectors reported employment increases in January 2008, while four decreased, and three were unchanged, according to OET. A decrease of 1,900 jobs in January 2008 brought Kentucky’s nonfarm employment to a seasonally adjusted total of 1,878,100. Since January 2007, Kentucky’s nonfarm employment has risen by 18,100.

“Strength in the retail trade, and accommodation and food services industries helped propel Kentucky's unemployment rate down in January. This reflects the popularity of holiday gift cards and subsequent shift of purchases from December into January,” said Justine Detzel, OET chief labor market analyst.

According to the seasonally adjusted employment data, jobs in the leisure and hospitality sector increased the most of any sector in January 2008 with 1,000 additional jobs. Since January 2007, employment in the sector has increased by 5,000 positions. The leisure and hospitality sector includes arts, entertainment and recreation, accommodations, and food services and drinking places industries.

“Year-over-year job gains in the accommodation, and food services and drinking places industries outweighed year-over-year job losses in arts, entertainment and recreation businesses,” said Detzel.

Kentucky’s trade, transportation and utilities sector had 700 more jobs in January 2008. This area includes retail and wholesale trade, transportation and warehousing businesses, and utilities, and it is the largest sector in Kentucky with 390,600 employees. Since January 2007, the number of jobs in this sector has jumped by 5,900.

“All industries within the trade, transportation and utilities sector experienced over-the-year job gains, with the majority of these employment increases occurring in retail trade enterprises,” 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, rose by 400 jobs in January 2008. This area had 1,500 more jobs in January 2008 than in January 2007.

Kentucky’s educational and health services sector grew by 300 jobs in January 2008. Since last January, this segment has gained 1,800 jobs. This sector includes private and nonprofit establishments that provide either education and training, or health care and social assistance to their clients.

The construction sector had the same number of jobs in December 2007 and January 2008. Since January 2007, employment in this sector has increased by 3,100 positions.

After two months of losses, employment in the financial activities sector held steady from December 2007 to January 2008. This segment, which includes businesses involved in finance, insurance, real estate and property leasing or rental, has added 1,600 positions over the past 12 months.

The information sector also reported the same number of jobs in December 2007 and January 2008. This segment, which includes firms involved in publishing, Internet activities, and broadcasting and news syndication, has gained 800 positions since January 2007.

The number of jobs in the professional and business services sector declined by 2,500 in January 2008. This area had 1,200 more employees in January 2007 than in January 2008. The professional and business services sector includes professional, scientific and technical services, management of companies, and administrative and support management, including temporary help agencies.

The government sector, which includes public education, public administration agencies, and state-owned hospitals, dropped by 1,400 jobs in January 2008. Since January 2007, this sector has risen by 8,500 jobs.

The employment figure in the natural resources and mining sector fell by 200 jobs from December 2007 to January 2008. Since January 2007, the segment has lost 500 jobs.

The number of jobs in the manufacturing sector fell by 200 in January 2008. Compared to January 2007, jobs in the sector were down by 8,400 in January 2008.

“The year-over-year employment decrease in manufacturing is concentrated in the durable goods subsector. With the rising uncertainty regarding the health of the economy, consumers have become reluctant to purchase big-ticket items such as automobiles. Furthermore, manufacturers of durable goods such as furniture and appliance makers, are negatively impacted by a decline in the housing market,” she said.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics’ monthly estimate of the number of employed Kentuckians for January 2008 was 1,945,381 on a seasonally adjusted basis. This figure is up 9,405 from the 1,935,976 employed in December 2007, and up 17,585 from the 1,927,796 employed in January 2007.

The monthly estimate of the number of unemployed Kentuckians for January 2008 was 107,534, down 182 from the 107,716 Kentuckians unemployed in December 2007, and down 8,481 from the 116,015 unemployed in January 2007.

The monthly estimate of the number of Kentuckians in the civilian labor force for January 2008 was 2,052,915. This figure is up 9,223 from the 2,043,692 recorded in December 2007, but up 9,104 from the 2,043,811 recorded for January 2007.

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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March 3, 2008 - Office for the Blind seeks public input

FRANKFORT, Ky.  — The Kentucky Office for the Blind (OFB) in the Department for Workforce Investment is seeking public input on the services, programs and activities the agency provides Kentuckians with visual disabilities. The deadline for comments is April 30, 2008.

Comments can be made in writing, Braille, cassette tape, computer disk, telephone, Internet or e-mail. To make comments, follow one of the methods listed below.

• Internet - To complete an on-line survey, you can access the agency’s Web site at http://blind.ky.gov and click the link to the 2009 State Plan Survey;

• E-mail – Send comments to cora.mcnabb@ky.gov;

• Telephone – Call Cora McNabb toll-free at 1-800-321-6668 extension 231;

• Writing, cassette tape, Braille or computer disk – mail to Cora McNabb, Office for the Blind, 209 St. Clair St., P.O. Box 757, Frankfort, KY 40602-0757.

To receive this information in an alternate format or for more information, please contact Cora McNabb.

OFB provides job counseling, education, job training and assistive technology services to Kentuckians who are visually impaired so that they can have opportunities for employment and independence. Input from Kentuckians will be used to develop a state OFB plan. The Department for Workforce Investment is in the Education Cabinet.

The Education Cabinet coordinates learning programs from P-16, and manages and supports training and employment functions in the Department for Workforce Investment.

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Feb. 27, 2008 - Kentucky’s annual unemployment rate falls to 5.5 percent for 2007

FRANKFORT, Ky.  — Kentucky’s annual unemployment rate decreased to 5.5 percent in 2007 from 5.8 percent in 2006, while gaining 22,200 jobs and posting the highest number of nonfarm jobs in Kentucky’s history, according to the Office of Employment and Training (OET) in the Department for Workforce Investment.

The U.S. unemployment rate remained at 4.6 percent in 2007, making it the lowest annual U.S. unemployment rate since 2000 when it was 4 percent.

“We recorded the most nonfarm (agriculture and self-employed jobs excluded) jobs of any year in Kentucky’s history with 1,869,000 nonfarm jobs in 2007,” said Justine Detzel, chief labor market analyst in the OET, an agency of the Education Cabinet. “This is the fourth consecutive year of job growth in Kentucky. In the late decade, we have added a net total of 116,200 nonfarm jobs.

“In addition, the 2007 annual unemployment rate of 5.5 percent is the lowest in Kentucky since 2001 when it was 5.2 percent.”

Nine of Kentucky’s 11 major nonfarm job sectors listed in the North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) showed employment growth in 2007, while two reported losses.

The government and public education sector experienced an increase of 6,300 jobs in 2007. Within the sector, local education (+3,100), state education (+1,000), state government (+2,600), local government (+3,600) and federal government (+100) all added jobs in 2007. In the last 10 years, the sector has increased by 29,900 positions.

Kentucky’s trade, transportation and utilities sector added 6,300 jobs in 2007 and 11,300 over the past 10 years. It is the largest Kentucky sector with a total of 386,700 jobs. Within the sector, transportation, warehousing and utilities businesses increased by 2,500 jobs, retail trade rose by 2,300, and wholesale trade was up by 1,500.

“Trucking and warehousing, and wholesale trade employment are closely related. The two areas combined recorded more than half of the job gain (+3,300) in this sector. Trucking activity is often considered a good cyclical indicator because it shows the level of demand for goods,” Detzel said.

The state’s leisure and hospitality sector jumped by 4,500 positions in 2007 and 24,400 jobs in the last decade. Within the sector are arts, entertainment and recreation, and accommodation and food services. “Despite the weak economy, this sector has maintained strength, particularly in the accommodation and food services industries,” Detzel said.

Educational and health services rose by 3,100 jobs in 2007 and has surged by 46,000 in the last 10 years. Within this sector, health care and social assistance industries, such as hospitals, nursing and residential care facilities and social assistance businesses, added 3,200 jobs in 2007 and have contributed 37,700 jobs in the past 10 years. Educational services in this sector include employees at private elementary, secondary and postsecondary schools along with other establishments that provide instruction and training.

“Healthcare is a growing industry because of longer life expectancy and the aging Kentucky population. We expect that trend to continue for the foreseeable future,” said Detzel.

Kentucky’s professional and business services, a sector that includes professional, scientific and technical services, management of companies, and administrative and support management, had 2,400 more jobs in 2007. This category also includes temporary help agencies that provide workers to other businesses on a contractual basis. In the last 10 years, the sector has ballooned by 33,200 jobs.

Financial activities, a sector that includes finance and insurance, and real estate, rental and leasing, reported 2,200 more positions in 2007. In the last decade, the sector has expanded by 13,200 positions.

Kentucky’s construction sector had 2,100 more jobs in 2007. The sector has gained 1,600 jobs in the last 10 years. “The majority of these employment gains occurred in the heavy and civil engineering industry,” said Detzel.

The information sector, which includes establishments involved in publishing, Internet activities, data processing, broadcasting and news syndication, added 600 positions in 2007. It is at the same employment level as in 1998 years ago.

Other services, a sector that includes repair and maintenance; personal and laundry services; and religious, civic, and professional organizations rose by 400 jobs in 2007. It has gained 8,100 jobs in the last 10 years.

On the down side, the manufacturing sector lost 5,000 jobs in 2007 for a total of 255,700 positions in that sector. In the last 10 years, the manufacturing sector has reported 50,800 fewer jobs.

“Manufacturing employment declined for the seventh straight year in 2007 with the majority of those employment losses in the durable goods subsector. Last year marked the largest number of job lost in manufacturing since 2003. Within durable goods manufacturing, machinery, appliances, equipment and parts manufacturing companies, and transportation equipment businesses together accounted for a decrease of 2,300 jobs.

“With the rising uncertainty regarding the health of the economy, sliding housing values, and credit more difficult to obtain, consumers have become reluctant to purchase big ticket items such as automobiles during the past year,” Detzel said.

“Over the last 10 years, both the durable goods and nondurable goods subsectors have experienced sizable employment losses. Most of the job losses in the nondurable goods subsector occurred in the apparel industry which has declined by 13,200 jobs over the past 10 years. Overall, there has been a 76 percent drop in the total number of apparel industry jobs in Kentucky in the last 10 years,” Detzel said.

The natural resources and mining sector decreased by 700 jobs in 2007 and lost 600 jobs since 1998. Coal mining makes up about 70 percent of this sector. Other industries included in the sector are forestry; oil and gas extraction; and support activities for mining.

Unemployment statistics are based on estimates and are compiled to measure trends rather than actually to count the number of people working. Civilian labor force statistics include non-military workers and unemployed Kentuckians who are actively seeking work.

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