PHIL CASTLE, The Business Times — “Seasonally unadjusted unemployment rates rose in neighboring Western Colorado counties in October: up a tenth of a point to:
3 percent in Garfield County and 3.2 percent in Montrose County, up two-tenths to 3.4 percent in Delta County and four-tenths to
4.4 percent in Rio Blanco County.
The statewide seasonally adjusted jobless rate edged up another tenth of a point to 3.2 percent as the number of people looking for work exceeded those who reported themselves as employed.
Nonfarm payrolls increased 4,800 between September and October with the biggest gains in the professional and business services; leisure and hospitality; and trade, transportation and utilities sectors.
Over the past year, the Colorado unemployment rate has crept up two-tenths of a point even as nonfarm payrolls have swelled 72,000. The largest employment gains have occurred in the professional and business services; leisure and hospitality; and trade, transportation and utilities sectors.
The average workweek for employees on private, nonfarm payrolls has decreased over the past year a half hour to 33.4 hours. Average hourly earnings have increased over the past year $1.27 — more than 4.5 percent — to $29.22.”