MD employers add 1,400 jobs, but unemployment rate rises

The Bureau of Labor Statistics released August 2012 state employment figures today. Maryland's unemployment rate rose slightly, to 7.1 percent.

The state's unemployment rate rose because the labor force (those working or actively looking for work) shrank while the ranks of the unemployed grew. In other words, there were 9,200 fewer employed Marylanders (down to 2,854,100) in August than in July. That was still 4,500 more employed Marylanders than in August 2011.

However, there were 1,400 more jobs located in Maryland last month than the month prior. Down industry sectors included construction (lost 100 jobs); manufacturing (lost 100 jobs); trade, transportation, and utilities (lost 700 jobs); financial activities (lost 1,400 jobs); and education and health services (lost 2,200 jobs). The only sectors with positive growth were professional and business services (added 1,200 jobs); leisure and hospitality (added 1,000 jobs); and government (added 3,900 jobs). The numbers don't quite add up because of rounding.

The continued weak labor market continue to make the case for a bold economic agenda for all Marylanders.