February Unemployment Rates Announced

The Workforce Connection has just released the regional unemployment figures for February 2009.

Unemployment figures edged up in Citrus, Levy and Marion Counties during February with Marion County showing the greatest increase from January to February with a 11.6 to 12.3 percent gain. Levy County moved up from 10.2 to 10.6 percent during the month. Citrus County had a minimal increase from 11.4 to 11.6 percent.

Major industry declines in the Ocala Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) over the year were in the areas of trade, transportation, and utilities (-1,700 jobs); manufacturing (-1,700 jobs); and mining, logging, and construction (-1,300 jobs). The only two growth areas were private education and health services (+500 jobs) and government (+300 jobs).

Although the Ocala MSA has the second highest unemployment rate in the state, overall employment numbers for the area are down 5.1% from February 2008 to February 2009. This is the same employment change as seen at the state level. According to Workforce Connection CEO Rusty Skinner, “This indicates that although our unemployment rate is higher that the state average, our overall job growth rate is the same as the state’s rate. Our staff is focused on doing everything possible to assist unemployed workers while partnering with the economic development organizations to promote job growth.”

Workforce Connection has taken aggressive steps to assist unemployed workers to retrain in growth occupations. The organization sought and received two grants totally over $1 million. The Dept. of Labor National Emergency Grant, totaling $860,000, was obtained to train and support dislocated manufacturing workers from twelve large manufacturers in Citrus, Levy and Marion Counties. For a list of the employers covered go to http://www.clmworkforce.com/ .

Funds of $3,267,204 recently allocated to Workforce from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 are designed assist workers that have lost their jobs, disadvantaged adults that require training in order to compete for jobs, and youth 14-24 years old that are seeking careers . Individuals interested in learning more should call Workforce Connection at 1-800-840-5700.

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