FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: July 20, 2012
CONTACT: DEO Communications, (850) 617-5600, media@deo.myflorida.com
FLORIDA GAINS 9,000 JOBS DURING THE MONTH OF JUNE
More than 127,000 private-sector jobs created since December 2010
TALLAHASSEE – Florida added 9,000 new jobs during the month of June while the unemployment rate held steady, remaining at 8.6 percent, still the lowest since December 2008. The June 2012 rate was 2.1 percentage points lower than the June 2011 rate of 10.7 percent. Florida continued to see positive job growth in June, and a total of more than 127,000 private-sector jobs have been created since December 2010.
“In the month of June, 9,000 more Floridians got new jobs and were able to receive a paycheck to help provide for their families,” said Governor Rick Scott. “The changes we’re making each day are benefiting those looking for work and helping businesses recognize what a talented workforce we have here in Florida.”
Florida’s job growth rate over the year has been positive for 23 consecutive months, after losing jobs for three straight years. Since the month before Governor Scott’s inauguration, the state’s unemployment rate has dropped 2.5 percentage points and Florida has added 127,200 private-sector jobs, including 5,700 in June.
Additional positive workforce trends include:
- Florida’s number of unemployed remains below 800,000
- Florida’s unemployment rates have declined year over year for 19 consecutive months
- Florida’s unemployment rate has declined month over month for 11 of the past 12 months
- Florida’s job growth rate has been positive year over year for 23 consecutive months
Also in June, the state’s 24 Regional Workforce Boards reported that more than 28,500 Floridians were placed in jobs, with 179,000 job placements reported since January. Of these individuals, 6,652 who previously received reemployment assistance (formerly unemployment compensation) gained employment in June, with more than 40,000 former claimants finding employment since the beginning of the year. Additionally, in June, Florida job postings compiled by Help Wanted OnLine increased over the year compared to June 2011 by 15,385 openings (+6.3 percent) and totaled more than 258,000. The most openings were in medical, IT, sales, and administrative support-related occupations.
“With thousands of jobs being created thanks to Governor Scott, it’s equally important that we ensure Florida’s workforce has the skills and experience necessary to be successful,” said Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO) Executive Director Hunting F. Deutsch. “DEO, Workforce Florida and the state’s 24 regional workforce boards continue to work together in looking for innovative and effective ways to support those who are unemployed and help them return to the workforce.”
To view the June 2012 monthly employment data visit:
www.floridajobs.org/labor-market-information/labor-market-information-press-releases/monthly-press-releases.
The Florida Department of Economic Opportunity combines the state’s economic, workforce and community development efforts. This new approach helps expedite economic development projects to fuel job creation in competitive communities. For more information, including valuable resources for employers and job seekers, please visit www.floridajobs.org.
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