Jobless rate drops to 8.3%

Louisiana’s unemployment rate for Novmeber was 8.3%, down for October’s 9.4% rate, but up from 5.2% in November 2019.
Preliminary data for November released by the Bureau of Labor and Statistics (BLS) shows that, since October, seasonally adjusted nonfarm employment increased by 18,500 jobs from 1,879,100 to 1,897,600. From November 2019, seasonally adjusted nonfarm employment decreased by 90,200 jobs.
Since the height of the pandemic in April, Louisiana seasonally adjusted nonfarm employment has added 175,200 jobs.
Since October, seasonally adjusted private sector employment increased by 19,900 jobs from 1,555,800 to 1,575,700 in November. From November 2019, seasonally adjusted private sector employment decreased by 79,900 jobs.
Since October, the number of seasonally adjusted employed individuals increased by 2,191 from 1,915,007 to 1,917,198 in November. Compared to November 2019, the number of seasonally adjusted employed individuals decreased by 76,049.
Since October, the number of seasonally adjusted unemployed individuals decreased by 23,610 from 197,580 to 173,970 in November. Compared to November 2019, the number of seasonally adjusted unemployed individuals increased by 64,639.
“With over 175,000 jobs recovered from the impact of COVID-19, Louisiana is well on the road to economic recovery.” said Louisiana Workforce Commission Secretary Ava Dejoie. “The job gains in southwest and central Louisiana following the recent hurricanes show the resiliency of the people of this state. This agency remains committed to helping Louisianans get back to work.”
Among Louisiana’s Metropolitican Statistical Areas in November, seasonally adjusted data shows:
— Alexandria gained 500 jobs from October, but lost 2,000 jobs from November 2019.
— Baton Rouge gained 400 jobs from October, but lost 16,000 jobs from November 2019.
— Hammond showed no change from October, but lost 2,300 jobs from November 2019.
— Houma gained 3,000 jobs from October, but lost 1,400 jobs from November 2019.
— Lafayette gained 800 jobs from October, but lost 9,200 jobs from November 2019.
— Lake Charles gained 5,300 jobs from October, but lost 14,400 jobs from November 2019.
— Monroe gained 500 jobs from October and gained 1,200 jobs from November 2019.
— New Orleans gained 10,000 jobs from October, but lost 47,700 jobs from November 2019.
— Shreveport gained 1,900 jobs from October, but lost 7,400 jobs from November 2019.