April unemployment rate sets state record

COLUMBIA — Unemployment in South Carolina showed signs of stabilizing while still slightly increasing to 11.5 percent — a state record — in data for April released Friday by the S.C. Employment Security Commission.

The numbers released Friday broke a 26-year-old record.

In March, the state unemployment rate was 11.4 percent. That matched the highest rate ever in the state, set in January 1983.

Unemployment in South Carolina has increased for 14 straight months. The number of unemployed workers in the state has more than doubled during that time to nearly 253,000 people.

Sam McClary, a labor market research analyst with the Employment Security Commission, said everyone is still hurting but some areas of the economy are faring better than others.

“There is no industry that is totally immune from the recession,” McClary said. “But health-care and low-level service jobs are doing some hiring.“

Marlboro and Marion counties are ranked third and fourth, respectively, in terms of unemployment. Marlboro County stands at 21.5 percent and Marion at 21.1 percent for April.

Chesterfield County came in with the seventh highest unemployment rate in the state at 17.1 percent and Dillon County follows close behind at 16.8, with the ninth highest unemployment rate in the state.

Lee County tied with Bamberg and Hampton counties for 13th place with an unemployment rate of 15.9 percent for April.

Williamsburg County’s unemployment rate dropped from 15.4 to 15 percent from March to April, putting it at 17th.

Darlington County had the 25th highest unemployment in April at 12.7 percent.

In Florence County the unemployment rate slightly decreased to 11.1 percent from 11.2, putting the county at 32nd in terms of unemployment.

Keith Lucas, an area director with the Employment Security Commission, said there’s still a steady flow of people coming in to file a claim for the first time as many people’s benefits are starting to run out, leaving them without an income.

“We just advise any one not working right now to intensify their job search,” Lucas said. “There are other agencies and groups in the community who are providing benefits and services for the needy.”

State unemployment claims will pay benefits for up to 26 weeks, but there are several federal extensions that, depending on eligibility, will extend the benefits for several more months.

McClary’s advice to folks looking for a job is to be willing to change occupations or relocate.

“You just can’t give up; you have to be aggressive in your search,” he said.

Unemployment in South Carolina has now increased for 14 straight months. The number of unemployed workers in the state has more than doubled during that time to nearly 253,000 people.

Nationally, the unemployment rate climbed to 8.9 percent in April. That was up nearly a half-point from 8.5 percent in March.

A year ago, the U.S. rate was at 5.0 percent.

— The Associated Press contributed to this report.