Unemployment up in California

California's jobless rate was 12.5 percent in January, up from 12.3 percent in December, the California Economic Development Department (EDD) announced on Wednesday.

The 12.5 percent unemployment rate was above the January 2009 rate of 9.7 percent, according to the EDD.

In the state, 2.27 million people were out of work, up from 2.23 million in December, the EDD said. The comparable estimates for the nation were 9.7 percent in January, 10 percent in December and 7.7 percent for January 2009.

In Los Angeles County, the seasonally adjusted unemployment rate in Los Angeles County increased to 12.5 percent in January, up from a revised 12.3 percent in December, the EDD said

It was above the 10.1 percent rate in January 2009, according to the EDD.

Total nonfarm employment declined by 73,700 jobs in Los Angeles County between December and January to reach about 3.7 million, said the department.

Trade, transportation and utilities lost 21,900 jobs over the month, with retail trade losing 16,300 jobs. Job declines in retail trade are common this time of year as the holiday season ends, the EDD said.

A total of 606,000 people were unemployed in January in Los Angeles County, which has a labor force of about 4.8 million.

Source:Xinhua