November jobless rate highest point in 7 years

Wednesday, Dec. 26, 2001 | 10:59 a.m.

CARSON CITY -- Nevada's unemployment in November rose to 6.5 percent, the highest in seven years.

The state Department of Employment, Training and Rehabilitation reported today that Nevada's rate surpassed the national's 5.7 percent and California's 6 percent.

There were an estimated 64,600 people jobless or about 22,000 more than in November last year, when the rate was 4.3 percent.

The rate rose statewide two-tenths of a percentage point over October, though in Las Vegas it fell by the same amount.

In addition, an estimated 1.07 million people were employed, up 0.9 percent from October.

State officials focused on the good news in the monthly report.

"These latest numbers offer some encouragement," Gov. Kenny Guinn said. "However, the state will continue to proceed with caution."

"Businesses are beginning to regain their balance and are starting to look toward long-term recovery in their individual industrial sectors," Department Director Myla Florence said.

She added that employment growth continues as new businesses are planned and open.

Unemployment in the Las Vegas metropolitan statistical area fell from 6.7 percent in October to 6.5 percent in November. The rate a year ago was 4.3 percent. The area, which includes Clark and Nye counties and Mohave County in Arizona, reported total employment at 785,800, up 0.8 percent from a year ago.

Statewide, the department reported that employment in mining fell 4.6 percent from a year ago; manufacturing held steady; trade rose 3.3 percent but the hotels, gaming and recreation employment was off 4.1 percent. Government employment statewide rose 3.2 percent from a year ago.

The Las Vegas area employment showed construction up 1.8 percent to 71,800 jobs; trade increased 3.2 percent to 175,400; hotels, gaming and recreation fell 1.2 percent to 344,900 and government rose 3.7 percent to 86.200.

Washoe County posted a 4.2 percent jobless rate, up from 3.7 percent in October. There were an estimated 7,800 people out of work. Total employment reached 200,400, up 1.6 percent from a year ago.

The department said the Carson City labor market registered 5.9 percent in unemployment, up from 4.7 percent of a year ago. An estimated 3,470 people were jobless during the month. Total employment rose 4.6 percent over the year to 55,490.

Elko and Eureka counties posted a 4.9 percent unemployment rate, compared with 4.1 percent in November 2000. An estimated 970 people were jobless. Total employment fell to 18,800, down 5.7 percent from November last year.