september unemployment rate falls to 10.5 percent

NASHVILLE – Tennessee Commissioner of Labor & Workforce Development James Neeley announced today Tennessee’s unemployment rate for September was 10.5 percent, down 0.2 percentage point from the August revised rate of 10.7 percent.
“Tennessee’s unemployment rate continues to show stabilization with no significant change over the last five months,” reported Labor Commissioner James Neeley.  “Following national trends, we are seeing fewer job losses and fewer workers seeking employment.”
The September rate a year ago was 6.9 percent. The national unemployment rate for September 2009 was 9.8 percent, up from the August rate of 9.7 percent.
Major Changes in Estimated Nonagricultural Employment
August 2009 to September 2009
According to the Business Survey, 9,400 job gains occurred in local government educational services; 6,300 in professional and business services; and 3,900 in state government educational services.  Major employment decreases occurred in retail trade, down by 5,500 and leisure and hospitality declined by 4,600 jobs
Major Changes in Estimated Nonagricultural Employment
September 2008 to September 2009
Year-over-year increases occurred in health care and social assistance, up by 7,600; local government increased 2,800; and food services and drinking places gained 1,500; manufacturing was down 39,500; mining and construction lost 28,900; and trade, transportation and utilities declined by 27,900.