Employment Law News

Ohio and U.S Employment Situation (Seasonally Adjusted)

Ohio's unemployment rate was 6.3 percent in August, up from the revised July figure of 6.0 percent, according to data released this morning by the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services. The July unemployment rate was initially announced at 5.9 percent, but was later revised upward based on more current data. Ohio's nonfarm wage and salary employment fell 11,800 over the month, from 5,378,400 in July 2004 to 5,366,600 in August.

"There was little change in the overall labor market in Ohio in August," said ODJFS Director Tom Hayes. "The statewide unemployment rate increased during the month largely because gains in employment that typically occur in August were not realized."

The number of workers unemployed in Ohio in August was 370,000, up from 354,000 in July. The number of unemployed has increased by 10,000 over the past 12 months from 360,000. The August unemployment rate for Ohio was up from 6.1 percent in August 2003.

The U.S. unemployment rate for August was 5.4 percent, down from 5.5 percent in July.

Total Nonagricultural Wage and Salary Employment (Seasonally Adjusted)

Ohio's nonfarm payroll employment fell 11,800 over the month, from 5,378,400 in July 2004 to 5,366,600 in August 2004, according to the latest survey conducted by ODJFS.

Service-providing industries, at 4,300,800, fell 6,400 from July. Government dropped 3,400, while trade, transportation, and utilities declined 2,000. Other sectors with reduced employment were professional and business services (-1,000), educational and health services (-600), other services (-500), and information (-400). Leisure and hospitality advanced 800; financial activities added 700 jobs. Goods-producing industries decreased 5,400 to 1,065,800. Losses in manufacturing (-4,100) accounted for most of the decline. Also down were construction (-1,100) and natural resources and mining (-200).

Over the past 12 months, nonagricultural wage and salary employment dropped 37,300. Service-providing employment was down 21,800 due largely to declines of 13,600 in leisure and hospitality and 6,700 in trade, transportation, and utilities. Notable decreases were also seen in government (-4,000), information (-2,300), other services (-1,500), and professional and business services (-200). Gains occurred in educational and health services (+4,500) and financial activities (+2,000). Goods-producing industries fell 15,500 over the year. Manufacturing lost 13,500 jobs, while construction was down 2,200. Natural resources and mining rose 200 over the year.

Ohio County Unemployment Rates (Not Seasonally Adjusted)

Among the state's 88 counties, the August 2004 unadjusted unemployment rates ranged from a low of 3.0 percent in Holmes County to a high of 15.9 percent in Meigs County. Rates decreased in 58 of the counties. The comparable rate for Ohio in August was 5.8 percent.

Eleven counties had unemployment rates at or below 4.3 percent in August. The counties with the lowest rates, other than Holmes, were: Delaware and Union, 3.6; Geauga and Warren, 4.0; Butler, Logan, and Mercer, 4.1; Hancock, Pickaway, and Wayne, 4.3 percent.

Seven counties had unemployment rates at or above 9.0 percent during August. The counties with the highest rates, other than Meigs, were: Morgan, 15.8; Vinton, 11.3; Adams, 10.9; Jefferson, 9.5; Perry, 9.4; and Coshocton, 9.0 percent.

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	Did You Know?
	About at will employment In certain states, employers do not have the right to terminate employees "at will" if the termination violates public policy, an implied employment contract, or an implied covenant of good faith and fair dealing.