Unemployment rates declined moderately in February in all Southwest Michigan metro areas as support staff in the education sector (private and public) continued to be recalled to work following seasonal layoffs.
The civilian labor force (the number of employed workers plus those looking for jobs) rose in nine of twelve regional labor markets.
In Branch County the unemployment rate in February was 9.0 percent, down from 9.6 in January and 10.9 in February 2011.
In Cass County the jobless rate in February stood at 8.0 percent, a decrease from 8.4 in January and down from 10.2 in February of last year.
In St. Joseph County the unemployment rate in February was 9.2 percent, down from 9.9 in January and 11.0 in February 2011.
For detailed information, cllck on the following link: February 2012 labor market analysis – Southwest Michigan
Source: Michigan Department of Technology, Management and Budget
