U.S. State Unemployment Figures on the Rise

California has some of the highest unemployment rates in the U.S.

A recent report from the Bureau of Labor Statistics — the numbers division of the U.S. Department of Labor — has a monthly snapshot of the country’s labor situation on a state-by-state basis. For May 2009, the picture is not pretty. Unemployment numbers in California having risen to 11.5 percent, although a few states did see an increase in employment.

For a full picture of state-to-state numbers, take a look at this from the BLS government report. Here is some of it:

In May, nonfarm payroll employment decreased in 39 states and increased in 11 states and the District of Columbia.  The largest over-the-month decrease in the level of employment occurred in California (-68,900), followed by Florida (-61,000), Texas (-24,700), and Michigan (-23,900).  Arizona and Florida experienced the largest over-the-month percentage decreases in employment (-0.8 percent each), followed by Oklahoma (-0.7 percent) and Arkansas, Kentucky, and Michigan (-0.6 percent each).  The largest over-the-month increases in employment occurred in Massachusetts (4,900), Connecticut (3,600), North Dakota (3,000), and Alaska (2,900).

On California’s employment and job situation, Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger was quoted as saying: “A full recovery will not happen overnight — it will take time, which only further underscores the need to continue the economic-stimulus measures I fought for in the February budget.”

Dealing with unemployment, a layoff and other recessionary challenges? Here’s some solid advice for managing the day-to-day stress of job loss and job hunting:

• How to Stop Overextending Yourself:  A Self-Care Worksheet
• Job-Search Tips: Balancing the Job Search and Life
• Around the Web: Coping with Job Loss
• LOST: Identity! Stop Job Loss from Stealing Your Confidence

[Image from bradleypjohnson via Flickr CC 2.0]