Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development

May Unemployment Rate 6.2 Percent
Influx of Youth into the Workforce Raises Rate Slightly

NASHVILLE - Tennessee’s unemployment rate for the month of May is 6.2 percent, up 0.4 percentage point from the seasonally adjusted April rate of 5.8 percent, Commissioner of Labor & Workforce Development James Neeley announced today. The national unemployment rate for May is 5.1 percent, down slightly from the April rate of 5.2 percent.

“The household survey for May shows an unusual increase in unemployed youth entering the workforce,” said Commissioner Neeley. “Some school systems across the state ended earlier this year sending more teens looking for summer work in May.”

The April-to-May figures show increases in leisure and hospitality jobs, up by 4,500. Construction jobs rose by 2,500 and manufacturing jobs rose 1,600. Month-to-month seasonal decreases took place in government jobs, down 3,700. Professional/scientific/technical services jobs decreased 2,500 and educational services jobs fell 1,300.

From May 2004 to May 2005, trade/transportation/utilities increased by 6,600, with retail trade contributing 4,400 of these jobs. Jobs in health care/social assistance rose by 6,100. Jobs decreased in accommodation by 1,700, information by 1,400, and state government educational services by 1,100.

ATTENTION: May 2005 County and MSA rates will be released at 1:30 p.m. on Thursday, June 23, 2005.

NOTE: Tennessee’s employment and unemployment statistics are based on two major surveys. The Current Population Survey (CPS) is a survey by place of residence, providing estimates on the number of people in the labor force, total employment, unemployment, and the unemployment rate. Beginning in January 1992, the CPS data are seasonally adjusted for all states as directed by the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The business survey collects data by place of work and creates information about jobs in various industries. The business survey data are non-seasonally adjusted at this time. Information will be available on the Internet: enter www.tennessee.gov/labor-wfd

(05-78)
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