The United States unemployment rate dropped to a three year low in January. The month's 8.3 percent unemployment rate is the lowest since February of 2009. The rate for December 2011 stood at 8.5 percent. The overall unemployment rate has now declined for the fifth straight month, although part of the drop may be attributed to some discouraged job seekers giving up the search for employment. A wider measure of the unemployment rate that includes job seekers who would like to work but have stopped looking, as well as those working only part time who would like to work full time, fell to an almost three year low of 15.1 percent; down from 15.2 percent in December.
Jobs were created at the fastest pace in nine months in January as non farm payrolls rose by 243,000, according to data released February 3rd by the United States Department of Labor. The number of factory jobs rose by the highest number in a year. The overall gain in employment was the largest since April of 2011, and is larger than the 150,000 increase that had been forecast by many economists.
Milder than expected winter weather in January helped to boost construction employment; where 21,000 jobs were added after an increase of 31,000 in December. Manufacturing gained 50,000 jobs, the largest gain in a year, after a December gain of 32,000. the goods producing sector of the economy added 81,000 jobs in January, the largest gain since in that area since January of 2006. Transportation and warehouses employment increased by 13,100, and retail employment gained 10,500 jobs after a December gain of 6,200. Temporary services filled 20,100 positions after gaining 8,300 in December. The rise in temporary hiring is considered to be a good sign for permanent hiring.
While the job growth is a positive sign, there are still no jobs for seventy five percent of those currently unemployed; and there are currently 23.8 million Americans either out of work or underemployed. The level of employment in the United States remains 5.57 million below the pre-recession level.
However, the job gains do indicate progress is being made. 60,000 more jobs were added in the months of November and December of 2011 than had been previously reported; and employment in the private sector rose by 257,000, the largest gain since April of 2011. Government employment dropped by 14,000, the smallest drop since September.
President Barack Obama welcomed the positive job report, and urged Congress to extend payroll tax cuts and benefits for the long-term unemployed. These benefits are currently set to expire at the end of February. "Now is not is not the time for self-inflicted wounds to our economy. I want to send a clear message for Congress. Do not slow down the recovery that we are on, don't muck it up," Obama said during an appearance at a firehouse in Arlington, Virginia.
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The Employment Situation Report for January, 2012
Employment Situation Report Table of Contents
Unemployment Insurance Weekly Claims Report for Week Ending January 28th, 2012
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UI Claims Series 1967 to Current
The Arizona Unemployment Insurance Program
Disaster Unemployment Assistance (Special programs in locations declared by the President as disaster areas.)
Unemployment Insurance (UI) at the Department of Labor
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Legislative and AZUI Contact Information For Arizona Residents and UI Recipients
Veterans Services in Arizona
Disabled Workers Services in Arizona
Mature Workers Services in Arizona
Youth Services in Arizona
Job Seekers Assistance in Arizona
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