September Labor Report Shows Decreased Unemployment

TOPEKA, Kan. – Kansas experienced a significant decline in the unemployment rate in September and increases in the number of jobs reported since one year ago.

The seasonally adjusted unemployment rate was 5.9 percent in September, a decrease from 6.2 percent last month and 6.7 percent in September 2011. This is the first time this rate has been below 6 percent since December 2008. The non-adjusted unemployment rate was 5.3 percent, down from 6.2 percent in August and from 6.7 percent one year ago.

"The number of people who returned to work in September is very encouraging and the decreasing unemployment rate is a very positive sign for Kansans," Lana Gordon, Interim Secretary of Labor, said.

Kansas gained 12,600 private sector jobs since September 2011, a 1.2 percent increase. The state also added 12,400 nonfarm jobs during this time, a 0.9 percent gain. Since August 2012, Kansas gained 13,700 nonfarm jobs and lost 4,800 private sector jobs.

"In September, the statewide unemployment rate dropped to the lowest level Kansas has experienced in 45 months. This improvement was caused by approximately 5,000 people moving from unemployed to employed over the month," Tyler Tenbrink, Labor Economist, said. "The seasonally-adjusted job numbers, while down slightly this month, are making slow and gradual improvements overall."

Five of the 11 major industries reported an increase in jobs since September 2011. Professional and business services increased by 8,200 jobs, a 5.4 percent gain. Manufacturing added 4,200 jobs, up by 2.6 percent.

Four of the 11 major industries saw gains from one month ago. Government gained 18,500 seasonal jobs from non-salaried USD and university employees returning to work. Other services gained 500 jobs since August, a 1 percent increase.

Initial and continued unemployment insurance claims declined from both August 2012 and one year ago.

The October 2012 Labor Report will be released on November 19, 2012.

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