(COLUMBIA, S.C.) – The jobless rate in South Carolina fell to eight percent, the S.C. Department of Employment and Workforce said Friday.
That eight-percent jobless rate figure, down from 8.4 percent in March, is the lowest South Carolina has seen in five years. The state’s unemployment rate has been dropping almost twice as fast as the national average rate has, according to The State newspaper.
“South Carolina’s April unemployment rate is outstanding news as we continue along the road of economic recovery,” said S.C. Department of Employment and Workforce administrator John Finan. “The 0.4 percent decrease from March marks the largest month-to-month drop since May 1987, and the number of South Carolinians finding work continues to increase each month.”
At least part of the drop in unemployment can be attributed to increased summer hiring to take advantage of the tourism season, though there is job growth in nearly every sector.
The State warns that South Carolina isn’t out of the woods yet, noting that many residents are facing under-employment, and since it has a decent exporting business the state is venerable to the worldwide economic slowdown.
Despite these concerns, officials are still pleased by the good news, and experts are predicting that the rate should continue to decrease.
“This drop in unemployment is yet another piece of great news for South Carolina. Our outstanding companies, our loyal and dedicated workforce, and our competitive business environment have our economy turning again,” said Gov. Nikki Haley.
“There's no doubt that South Carolina is on the move, and we couldn't be more excited about the great things in store for our state.”
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