Michigan unemployment rate down to 4.1% in August

LANSING (AP) - Michigan's unemployment rate fell by two-tenths of a percentage point to 4.1 percent in August.

Figures released Wednesday by the Michigan Department of Technology, Management & Budget show Michigan's jobless rate was two-tenths of a percentage point higher than the national rate of 3.9 percent last month and five-tenths of a percentage point lower than the state's August 2017 rate of 4.6 percent.

The agency says total employment in Michigan changed little during the month while the number of unemployed fell by 11,000.

Bureau of Labor Market Information and Strategic Initiatives Director Jason Palmer says Michigan's "unemployment rate decrease in August was primarily due to a reduction in the labor force as fewer individuals actively sought employment during the month."

Published: Fri, Sep 21, 2018