Topics Related to Workforce

North Carolina’s September Employment Figures Released

The state’s seasonally adjusted September unemployment rate was 3.8 percent, decreasing 0.1 of a percentage point from August’s revised rate. The national rate decreased 0.2 of a percentage point to 3.7 percent.

North Carolina’s September 2018 unemployment rate decreased 0.6 of a percentage point from a year ago.  The number of people employed decreased 418 over the month to 4,805,218 and increased 60,636 over the year. The number of people unemployed decreased 9,530 over the month to 187,386 and decreased 32,493 over the year. 

More Counties Able to Provide Temporary Jobs for Hurricane Florence Recovery

Thirteen additional counties are now eligible to participate in the temporary employment program that puts North Carolinians to work on recovery efforts in areas affected by Hurricane Florence, N.C. Department of Commerce Secretary Anthony M. Copeland announced today. This brings the total number of counties declared eligible to 41.

The U.S. Department of Labor awarded an $18.5 million Disaster Dislocated Worker Grant to help with Hurricane Florence response in late September. The North Carolina Department of Commerce’s Division of Workforce Solutions requested the grant.

Governor Cooper announces NCWorks Local Innovation Fund to support Workforce Development

A new competitive grant program will support local efforts to meet workforce challenges, Governor Roy Cooper announced today at the NCWorks Partnership Conference in Greensboro. The NCWorks Local Innovation Fund is part of Governor Cooper’s NC Job Ready Initiative for getting North Carolina’s workforce ready for the jobs of today and tomorrow.

The $2 million fund will give grants to communities to pilot innovative programs or adapt and replicate successful programs that address local or regional workforce issues.

North Carolina’s August County and Area Employment Figures Released

Unemployment rates (not seasonally adjusted) decreased in 88 of North Carolina’s counties in August, increased in four, and remained unchanged in eight. Scotland County had the highest unemployment rate at 7.6 percent, while Buncombe County had the lowest at 3.1 percent.  Fourteen of the state’s metro areas experienced rate decreases and one remained unchanged. Among the metro areas, Rocky Mount at 5.8 percent had the highest rate and Asheville had the lowest rate at 3.2 percent. The August not seasonally adjusted statewide rate was 3.9 percent.  

Help Available for Small Businesses Hurt by Hurricane Matthew

Up to $11.3 million in forgivable loans is available to small businesses in communities hit by Hurricane Matthew, the N.C. Department of Commerce reminded business owners today.

North Carolina’s July Employment Figures Released

The state’s seasonally adjusted July unemployment rate was 4.1 percent, decreasing 0.1 of a percentage point from June’s revised rate.  The national rate decreased 0.1 of a percentage point to 3.9 percent.

North Carolina’s July 2018 unemployment rate decreased 0.3 of a percentage point from a year ago.  The number of people employed increased 13,077 over the month to 4,800,661 and increased 70,096 over the year. The number of people unemployed decreased 6,170 over the month to 203,407 and decreased 13,678 over the year.  

Manufacturer to Add 42 Jobs in Burke County

Jackson Paper Manufacturing Company, North Carolina’s largest recycled paper producer, will open a new plant in Burke County, creating 42 jobs, Governor Roy Cooper announced today. The company plans to invest approximately $14 million in its new plant in Morganton and begin operations in the 2nd quarter of 2019. This new facility will produce more than 1 billion square feet per year of corrugated sheets for sale to corrugated box makers.

North Carolina’s June County and Area Employment Figures Released

Unemployment rates (not seasonally adjusted) increased in 97 of North Carolina’s counties in June and decreased in three.  Scotland County had the highest unemployment rate at 8.0 percent, while Buncombe County had the lowest at 3.2 percent.  All fifteen of the state’s metro areas experienced rate increases.  Among the metro areas, Rocky Mount at 6.3 percent had the highest rate and Asheville had the lowest rate at 3.4 percent.  The June not seasonally adjusted statewide rate was 4.2 percent.

North Carolina's January County and Area Employment Figures Released

Unemployment rates (not seasonally adjusted) increased in 93 of North Carolina’s counties in January, decreased in one, and remained unchanged in six.  Hyde County had the highest unemployment rate at 14.6 percent, while Buncombe County had the lowest at 3.6 percent.  Fourteen of the state’s metro areas experienced rate increases while one remained unchanged.  Among the metro areas, Rocky Mount at 6.9 percent had the highest rate and Asheville had the lowest rate at 3.7 percent.  The January not seasonally adjusted statewide rate was 4.7 percent.

North Carolina's December County and Area Employment Figures Released

Unemployment rates (not seasonally adjusted) decreased in 56 of North Carolina’s counties in December, increased in 20, and remained unchanged in 24.  Hyde County had the highest unemployment rate at 10.6 percent, while Buncombe County had the lowest at 3.4 percent.  Eleven of the state’s metro areas experienced rate decreases and four remained unchanged.  Among the metro areas, Rocky Mount at 6.3 percent had the highest rate and Asheville had the lowest rate at 3.6 percent.  The December not seasonally adjusted statewide rate was 4.4 percent.