The state lost 9,300 private-sector jobs in October, according to preliminary data released today by the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development, further eroding employment gains during the first six months of the year.
The data stands in stark contrast to October 2010, when private sector employment increased by 14,500 jobs.
Gov. Scott Walker has signed several special session bills designed to improve the climate for job creation, but the loss of more than 9,000 private-sector jobs comes when his opponents are trying to collect enough signatures to force a recall election.
The October 2011 data showed employment declines in manufacturing, – 3,400 jobs; healthcare, -1,700; construction, -2,200; and retail, -1,900. Among the sectors that added jobs, leisure and hospitality led the way with 3,500 new jobs. In the government sector, state government added 1,800 jobs, while local governments lost 1,900 jobs.
Overall, seasonally adjusted estimates show that total nonfarm employment declined by 9,700 jobs from September to October of 2011.
Despite the decrease in jobs, the state’s unemployment rate decreased to 7.7%, down slightly 7.8% in September. The national unemployment rate is now 9.0%.
DWD Secretary Reggie Newson said the decline continues to reflect the state’s exposure to challenges in the national and global economies.
Newson said the state’s online employment site now has more than 33,000 jobs posted. He encouraged employers and jobseekers to use http://www.JobCenterofWisconsin.com and other services available through the Wisconsin Job Service system.
