InContext
A publication about Indiana's workforce and economy from the IBRC at Indiana University's Kelley School of Business
June 2008, Vol. 9, No. 6

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InContext

Monthly Metrics: Indiana's Workforce Dashboard

 

Total Nonfarm Employment in Indiana

Indiana's Unemployment Rate
Why the Spike in March Unemployment?

Significantly wetter than normal weather meant fewer construction jobs in 2008 than usual opening up and more unemployment claims filed than normally would be expected this time of year, even taking into account the seasonally adjusted figures we are using. Other important factors to note when viewing the unemployment rates so far this year include the American Axle strike, which also affects the April and will perhaps even affect May numbers as well. The layoffs at Pfizer may also have contributed to this out-of-the-ordinary spike in the unemployment numbers for March. Look for the floods in June to affect those rates as will the “unseasonably” wetter weather.

Average Benefits Paid for Unemployment Insurance Claims

 

Change in Employment by Industry Super-Sector, 2006 to 2007*

Industry
Indiana
United States
Change in Jobs
Percent Change
Percent Change
Total Nonfarm 2,800 0.1 0.3
Educational and Health Services 12,500 3.2 3.0
Natural Resources and Mining 200 2.9 4.0
Information 900 2.3 -0.8
Government 9,000 2.1 1.0
Other Services 600 0.5 0.7
Professional and Business Services 1,500 0.5 0.9
Leisure and Hospitality -300 -0.1 2.4
Trade, Transportation and Utilities -2,200 -0.4 -0.2
Financial Activities -600 -0.4 -1.0
Manufacturing -14,700 -2.7 -2.3
Construction -4,100 -2.7 -5.0
*April of each year, seasonally adjusted
Source: IBRC, using Bureau of Labor Statistics data

Over-the-Year Percent Change in Manufacturing Employment

Over-the-Year Percent Change in Trade, Transportation and Utilities Employment