Mother Lode In Step With State Jobless Rate

Sonora, CA — California’s downward trend in its unemployment rate continued from 5.4 percent in March to 5.3 percent in April and 6.5 percent a year ago.

The state Employment Development Department released the latest figures on Friday, which show nonfarm payroll jobs increased by 59,600 to a total of more than 16.3 million during April.

In Tuolumne County, the jobless rate continued to slide from 6.9 percent in March to 6.3 percent last month. Calaveras County’s rate climbed to 6.2 percent in March but reversed directions dropping to 5.8 percent in April.

Ten fields posted growth, including construction, manufacturing and trade. Professional and business services showed the biggest spike adding 17,900 jobs. Information saw the largest loss of jobs, down 1,800.  For the third straight month in a row San Mateo County had the lowest unemployment rate at 2.9 percent down from 3 percent in March. Imperial County had the highest at 20.1 percent.

Nationally, April’s rate remained unchanged at 5 percent.