Loss of government jobs leads to big jump in NC unemployment

New Hanover County’s unemployment rate reached 10.1 percent last month, according to data released by the Employment Security Commission today.

The rate jumped from 9.2 percent in May this year. Last June, the rate was 9.8 percent.

Unemployment rates rose in 91 of North Carolina’s 100 counties in June. And, joblessness worsened in all 14 metropolitan statistical areas in the state, including Wilmington, where the unemployment rate is now 10.4 percent.

“What we are seeing in most metropolitan areas across North Carolina is a loss in government employment,” said Lynn R. Holmes, ESC chairman in a news release. “This is partially attributed to changes in local and state education at the end of the school year.”

Pender County has an 11.9 percent unemployment rate. It has seen a 1.3 percent increase in joblessness this year.

Brunswick County’s unemployment rate is 10.4 percent, the same as the statewide unemployment rate. Brunswick County’s joblessness has improved by 0.2 percent this year.

Scotland County recorded June’s highest unemployment rate at 17.1 percent. While Currituck County had the state’s lowest unemployment rate in June, at 5.5 percent.