From Staff Reports
Published: December 19, 2008
North Carolina’s unemployment rate increased to 7.9 percent in November, according to statistics released today by the Employment Security Commission. The unemployment rate is the highest since October 1983.
North Carolina’s unemployment rate has climbed steadily since December 2007, when the rate was 4.7 percent. Rockingham County’s unemployment rate has remained slightly higher than the state unemployment rate. In October, Rockingham County’s rate was 8.6 percent. The county unemployment rates for the month of November will be released on Jan. 6.
“Global and economic challenges have had an impact on North Carolina,” said ESC Chairman Harry E. Payne Jr. “Many employers are faced with layoffs or cutting back hours. Several job hours, including manufacturing and professional and business services, have been affected by the national business climate. During the last year, employment in these sectors alone is down by 57,600.”
Rockingham County has taken a big hit in manufacturing during the past year. Hanesbrands, Inc. in Eden announced plans to close its yarn and knit-fabric textile plants. The yarn plant will close at the end of the year and the adjacent knit-fabric plant will close in February 2009. The plant closures will leave 720 people out of work. In November, General Tobacco Company announced it would cut 31 jobs from its Mayodan plant. Other manufacturing companies have announced cut-backs and layoffs.
The Answer To Our Economic Times
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