COLUMBIA, S.C. — In an unusual reversal, Beaufort County’s unemployment rate in June was worse than South Carolina’s average rate.
South Carolina’s unemployment rate stayed at 5.3 percent for the second straight month, while Beaufort County’s jobless figure reached 5.6 percent.
That rate was an increase from 4.9 percent in the last month. Meanwhile, Jasper County’s rate grew from 4.6 to 5.3 percent.
Bright spots in the last month appeared in professional and business services, which added 2,700 jobs. Both education and health services and hospitality grew by 1,600 jobs.
The category known as “other services,” which includes repair maintenance, automotive mechanics, car washes and personal care services, such as nail salons, expand by 1,000 jobs.
The biggest decline in jobs occurred in trade, transportation, and utilities, which shed 1,500 positions.
South Carolina’s construction workers also took a hit – 600 jobs were lost.
“Thirty-five thousand more South Carolinians are working today than a year ago, and this is more evidence that South Carolina’s economy continues to strengthen,” said Cheryl Stanton, executive director of the S.C. Department of Employment and Workforce. “With nearly 60,000 available jobs, the future of the Palmetto State is bright.”
Nationally, percentage of those who were unemployed dropped to 6.1 percent in June from 6.3 percent in May.
