HONOLULU The state Department of Labor & Industrial Relations on Thursday announced that the seasonally adjusted unemployment rate for December was 2.6%, the same as in November.
HONOLULU — The state Department of Labor & Industrial Relations on Thursday announced that the seasonally adjusted unemployment rate for December was 2.6%, the same as in November.
Statewide, 647,000 were employed and 17,550 unemployed in December for a total seasonally adjusted labor force of 664,550. Nationally, the seasonally adjusted unemployment rate was 3.5 percent in December, also the same as in November.
Kauai’s unemployment in December was 2.5 percent, down from 2.9 percent in November but up from 2.3 percent in December 2018.
Both initial claims and weeks claims decreased by -13 or -1.1% and -963 or -13.8%, respectively, for unemployment benefits compared to one year ago. Over-the-month both initial claims and weeks claims increased by 17.6% and 1.2%, respectively, in December 2019.
That’s great! A tight job market helps increase pay rates and gives virtually anyone who wants a job the opportunity to get one. But, of course, there will always be those who in muddled self-absorption choose to dress up in costumes and beg for “donations” at our scenic lookouts.