State unemployment edges up in April

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The number of people working in South Carolina climbed to a record 2,281,003 people in April, while the state’s unemployment rate ticked up to 3.4% from 3.2% in March.

Working individuals grew by an estimated 6,704 from March, according to the S.C. Department of Employment and Workforce. Unemployment estimates increased during the month by 2,772 to 79,088 people, while the state’s labor force exceeded March’s estimate by 9,476 people, reaching 2,360,091.

The professional and business services industry saw an increase of 3,300 workers, while construction jobs decreased by 3,600.

Nationally, the unemployment dropped to 3.6% from 3.8% in March.

Since April 2018, employment gains have totaled 44,606 people, while the labor force has risen by 41,806 people, according to DEW.

“South Carolina is enjoying unprecedented employment growth. I am excited to see the number of individuals working continue to reach new levels as employers hire their workforce,” said Dan Ellzey, DEW executive director, in a news release. “From January 1, 2019 to April 30, 2019, approximately 21,000 individuals have found employment. At the same time, we have more people entering the labor force and looking for jobs. While this will push up the unemployment rate, it is actually a good thing in that it will allow the opportunity to match these people with jobs and fill many open positions.”

In Richland County, unemployment dropped to 2.9% in April 2019 from 3.3% in March 2019 after standing at 2.7% in March 2018. In Lexington County, unemployment dropped to 2.5% in April 2019 from 2.8% in March 2019 after standing at 2.3% in March 2018.