WASHINGTON: Franklin County’s jobless rate in November was 4.2 percent, down from 4.4 percent in October, according to the Virginia Employment Commission (VEC). Virginia’s November jobless rate was 4.0 percent, down from the 4.1 percent in October. “Virginia’s unadjusted unemployment rate was down 0.1 percentage point in November to 4.0 percent, but was up 0.1 percentage point from a year-ago November,” according to Ann D. Lang, VEC senior economist. “Compared to a year ago, the number of unemployed increased by 3,564, household employment increased by 8,935, and as a result, the labor force rose by 12,499. Virginia’s not seasonally adjusted unemployment rate continues below the national unadjusted rate, which was down 0.3 percentage point in November to 4.4 percent.”
The VEC said 1,131 people in Franklin County were unemployed in November and actively seeking work. That’s down from the 1,172 who were without work in October. Lang said 25,507 persons in Franklin County were employed in November in a labor force size of 26,638. Statewide, 168,373 persons were unemployed in November and seeking employment. A total of 4,065,033 persons were employed in November in a labor force size of 4,233,406.
November unemployment rates in neighboring cities and counties: Bedford County, 4.1 percent, down from 4.2 percent in October; Floyd County, 3.9 percent, unchanged from 3.9 percent; Henry County 5.7 percent, down from 5.5 percent; Martinsville, 6.7 percent, down from 6.8 percent; Patrick County, 5.5 percent, up from 4.7 percent; Pittsylvania County, 4.6 percent, unchanged from 4.6 percent; Roanoke City, 4.2 percent, down from 4.3 percent; Roanoke County, 3.6 percent, down from 3.7 percent; and Salem, 3.9 percent, down from 4.1 percent. Franklin County’s unemployment rate includes the towns of Rocky Mount and Boones Mill.
