State joblessness edged up to 10.7 percent in June 2009

Indiana lost jobs for the 11^th month in a row in June, but the decline from May - and a slight deterioration in the unemployment rate - was so minor that the Indiana Department of Workforce Development described the changes as statistically insignificant.

The unemployment rate of 10.7 percent was up a scant 0.1 percent, though still significantly higher than 5.2 percent of June last year. Workforce Development pointed out that all surrounding states saw joblessness climb at a faster pace.

The Indianapolis area lost jobs and saw unemployment rise from June 2008. Unemployment of 8.7 percent was more than double the level of a year earlier.

Comparisons of metro areas are most accurately made using the same months in prior years, because the government does not adjust the figures for factory furloughs and other seasonal fluctuations.

Compared with May, Indiana lost jobs in manufacturing and private education and health sectors. However, the state gained positions in finance and some other services.

All of the June nonfarm figures are preliminary and subject to change.