October jobless rate relatively low; worsening economy expected to be reflected soon / LJWorld.com

Archive for Friday, November 21, 2008

November 21, 2008, 7:30 a.m. Updated November 21, 2008, 2:56 p.m.

Topeka — The state recorded an unemployment rate of 4.5 percent for October, but the worsening economy is expected to depress future job growth, the Kansas Department of Labor reported Friday.

“With the nation’s economy continuing to weaken, people are spending less,” said Labor Department analyst Tyler Tenbrink. “That is shown in the dramatic decline of national retail sales in the past few months.

“The continuance of this trend can be expected to suppress holiday shopping activity to some extent. This may continue to slow future employment growth in Kansas.”

The Kansas jobless rate of 4.5 percent for October was less than the 4.8 percent rate of September but up from 3.6 percent in October 2007.

The state rate remains below the national jobless rate of 6.1 percent. Douglas County outperformed the state and nation with an unemployment rate of 3.8 percent.

Kansas businesses have gained 8,600 jobs in the last year, while government added 7,900 jobs, the Labor Department reported. Most of those government jobs were at the local level of government.

Several major job sectors reported losses, such as manufacturing, construction and financial activities.

And the number of initial claims for unemployment compensation in October was up sharply to 17,296, an increase of 4,593 from September, the Labor Department said.

The Labor Department warned callers to its unemployment call center that they would face an average waiting time of 30 minutes. The department said it is receiving numerous inquiries about extended unemployment compensation benefits. President Bush on Friday signed into law a measure that will provide up to three months of extra benefits for those whose unemployment benefits have run out or are about to expire.

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21 November 2008
at 7:36 a.m.

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xbusguy (Anonymous) says…

“With the nation’s economy continuing to weaken, people are spending less,” said Labor Department analyst Tyler Tenbrink.+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++Because we are broke, just like the State.
21 November 2008
at 8:19 a.m.

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jonas_opines (Anonymous) says…

Larry, did you verify that with anybody other than yourself?hahahahaha. Nevermind, I think I know.
21 November 2008
at 8:48 a.m.

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constructionstaffing (Anonymous) says…

This comment was removed by the site staff for violation of the usage agreement.
21 November 2008
at 8:51 a.m.

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edjayhawk (Anonymous) says…

Where exactly Larry are those jobs you speak of? No one wants to work? Do you work for $7 per hour with no benefits or health insurance? I spend every day for 8 to 10 hours a day looking for work. So don't tell me that I am wanting an entitlement. And in case you forgot, 10 million of your fellow Americans are out of work…Thats right 10million!!!
21 November 2008
at 11:01 a.m.

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jayhawklawrence (Anonymous) says…

I am not currently unemployed but I have utmost respect for those who are currently working hard to find a decent job. Thankfully, we have an insurance plan that can help these folks. It is called unemployment insurance. It is the same as any other kind of insurance and we all pay into it.Good luck out there.
21 November 2008
at 7:46 p.m.

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commuter (Anonymous) says…

I heard that Payless Shoesource is laying off people. Has anyone else heard anything about it?
21 November 2008
at 9:44 p.m.

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lionbacker (Anonymous) says…

edjayhawk, the moocher is exactly right, I will put you to work but it will be manual labor, I will pick you up at 10th and kentucky on Monday morning, I will be in the green ford truck about 7 oclock, be ready to work hard and you will get paid at the end of the day, i bet you dont show. no one wants to work a hard day anymore, just lazy nobama supporters,