Michigan Jobless Rate Continues Downward Trend
LANSING (AP) - The state says Michigan's unemployment rate continues to decline.
Statistics released Wednesday show the state had a seasonally adjusted jobless rate of 8.5 percent in March. That's down from 8.8 percent in February and represents the lowest jobless rate for the state since August 2008.
The number of unemployed in the state has dipped by 37,000 in the first three months of 2012.
The total number of nonfarm payroll jobs has increased by 57,000 over the past year. The state has added 30,000 manufacturing jobs, including 10,000 in transportation equipment. The state also records about 18,000 more professional and business service jobs than it did a year ago.
Education and health service jobs also have increased.
Retail trade and government jobs have decreased in the past year.
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